Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo has gone viral this week after his reaction to being substituted in recent games was spotted by fans
Bryan Mbeumo’s reaction to being substituted has been highlighted online this week(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
After qualifying for the Champions League on Sunday, you would be forgiven for thinking that everything at Manchester United was rosy. However, a minor issue has left supporters concerned Michael Carrick could be heading towards his first player battle. This week, a clip of Bryan Mbeumo reacting to being substituted has gone viral.
The main evidence comes from the March victory over Aston Villa where Mbeumo is informed by referee Anthony Taylor that he has been replaced. Mbeumo is clearly frustrated by the decision, throwing his hands up before acknowledging Diogo Dalot and making his way around the perimeter of the pitch.
This clip has come to light after another perceived show of frustration after being substituted against Liverpool on Sunday. While not as blatant, Mbeumo appears to mutter something when he sees his number come up before jogging off the pitch, clapping the fans and greeting Carrick before taking his place on the bench.
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Some United supporters are concerned the Cameroon international is heading down an infamous path. And, in fairness, there is some reason to be fearful. Cristiano Ronaldo was the extreme example of frustration escalating into a bigger issue. He stormed down the tunnel after not coming on during a 2-0 victory over Tottenham in October 2022.
Then manager Erik ten Hag took a dim view of that. “He was there, I have seen him, but I didn’t speak with him.” He added, “I don’t pay attention to that; I will deal with that tomorrow.”
Ronaldo then conducted an ill-advised interview with Piers Morgan criticising the club, Ten Hag, the Glazers and his ex-teammates before the Portugal international left the club in the November.
Alejandro Garnacho stormed down the tunnel after being substituted in the first half against Ipswich Town in early 2025. This was an enforced change after Patrick Dorgu had been sent off.
However, Garnacho’s petulance was merely the beginning. He would go on to use social media to aim digs at then boss Ruben Amorim, including in the build-up to the Europa League final when he was not picked to start, and eventually the relationship broke down entirely.
It must be stressed that Mbeumo is nowhere near this point yet. The forward has had a good season and clearly there is not a problem with his attitude because he keeps being picked by Carrick.
You also want your players to be disappointed when they are substituted. But it is all about finding that balance and ensuring that his frustration or disappointment does not develop into being disrespectful. Carrick will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the situation to ensure that does not happen.
At the moment, it is nothing more than a concern because of how things escalated with Ronaldo and Garnacho. But this should not be blown out of proportion.
Mbeumo has been a good signing for United and is one of the reasons Champions League football is returning to Old Trafford. His mild reactions should not jeopardise the good feeling around the club right now.
