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(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media/Imago)

Jonathan Burnett

Tue 19 August 2025 8:45, UK

Manchester United’s new-look frontline in their defeat to Arsenal included a surprise name with an uncertain future at Old Trafford.

Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha made their Man United debuts on Sunday after arriving from Wolves and Brentford for £62.5million and £71m respectively this summer, and both impressed against Arsenal.

The duo were joined in the second half by £74m former RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who made his debut off the bench in the second half but couldn’t find Man United an equaliser against their old rivals.

Ruben Amorim‘s side were undone early on after Altay Bayindir’s error gave Riccardo Calafiori an easy header for a 13th-minute winner from a corner, despite an industrious display from United’s front three.

Mason Mount excelled in an unfamiliar role against Arsenal

The Red Devils’ three headline signings this summer have all come in attacking positions with Mbeumo, Cunha and Sesko, but it was Mason Mount who started ahead of the latter at the tip of the hosts’ attack.

Mount’s performance was hailed as his ‘best ever’ in a Man United shirt by Gary Neville, as the 26-year-old frequently linked up with Cunha and Mbeumo in rotation before his withdrawal in the 65th minute.

Sesko came on for the latter stages in Mount’s place to give Man United fans a glimpse at what their front three will look like in the near future, and the former Chelsea playmaker took to social media.

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Mount shared an Instagram post to his story with the caption of; “The start, not the finish”, and on his initial post itself, Mbeumo responded to call him “Mason mountain”.

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Football Insider Verdict

Mount’s tireless running and ability to trigger Man United’s press made Amorim’s decision to start him up front a shrewd, if surprising one, with Bruno Fernandes often moved into the front three last season.

The ex-Chelsea man’s performance wasn’t without criticism and Mount came under fire after Bayindir’s error, but the decision to play him further forward than Fernandes paid off in every way but the scoreline.

Bayindir and Andre Onana‘s frequent mishaps between the Red Devils’ sticks only underlines their need for a new goalkeeper, but in the final third, Mount is providing Amorim with the depth he needs this term.

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