(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media, Imago)

Edward Bazeley

Sun 17 August 2025 18:25, UK

Manchester United new boy Bryan Mbeumo was fortunate to escape punishment when his elbow made contact with Arsenal summer signing Martin Zubimendi on Sunday.

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Man United’s clash with Arsenal marked Bryan Mbeumo‘s Premier League debut for the Red Devils, after he excelled for Brentford in the top flight last term.

The Cameroon international notched an impressive return of 20 league goals for Brentford last term, helping the Bees enjoy a successful campaign.

Ruben Amorim will hope that Mbeumo can enjoy similar form this season, as Man United look to have a significantly better campaign than the one they endured in 2024/25.

Mbeumo shone for Brentford last term (Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Amorim instilled plenty of faith in Mbeumo as he handed the forward his first Premier League debut for Man United at the earliest possible opportunity.

However, the former Brentford man was lucky to escape punishment in the first minute on 17 August, when his elbow made contact with Zubimendi’s face.

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Amorim gave Mbeumo his Man United debut (Credit: Imago)

The former FIFA referee exclusively told Football Insider: “Mbeumo of Manchester United lucky to escape a sanction for his illegal use of his arm/ elbow.

“Clearly unseen by the match official and outside the criteria for intervention by VAR.

Very minimum should have been a free kick.”

Mbeumo was not alone in making his first Premier League appearance for Man United on Sunday, as fellow summer signing Matheus Cunha was also handed a start by Amorim.

Meanwhile, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Rasmus Hojlund is close to joining AC Milan after struggling in the Premier League last term.

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