Mbiyomo’s Moment: United’s Week 9 Hero Sparks a Bright Run-in
28 October 2025
Mbiyomo’s Moment in United’s Week 9 Victory
Manchester United beat Brighton & Hove Albion 4-2 to rise to fourth in the Premier League standings. Liverpool slipped to a fourth straight defeat with a 3-2 loss at Brentford, and Manchester City were defeated 1-0 by Aston Villa, while Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 to keep top spot.
Brian Mbiyomo, the Cameroon forward, was named Player of the Week after delivering a brace against Brighton.
United now face a looming challenge from Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which looks set to deprive two key attackers, Mbiyomo and Amad Diallo, of several fixtures as the season intensifies.
Mbiyomo had impressed since his first appearance against Everton in the pre-season, and his chemistry with Amad Diallo has blossomed into a dangerous attacking duo, demonstrated by their celebration in front of the Stretford End after the Brighton win.
With AFCON set to begin on December 21 in Morocco, United could be forced to navigate a crowded December schedule without both players for a string of important matches.
Attack Core, Plans B, and the Contingencies
Amorim relies heavily on the Mbiyomo–Diallo partnership in attack. Amad Diallo has started eight of ten league games this season and has been the first-choice right winger, while Mbiyomo tops United’s scoring charts with five goals, underscoring his decisive role in the attack.
The recent run of form included a win over Sunderland, and the duo’s evolving understanding has become a hallmark of United’s offensive approach. After the Brighton match, Amorim praised their link, saying they continuously swap positions and win one-on-one battles, making them difficult for any defense to stop.
If both Mbiyomo and Diallo are unavailable, the setup would shift significantly. Mason Mount could operate as a creative midfielder alongside Matheus Cunha on the left, though Mount’s injury history makes that option risky. Other names mentioned include Koby Maino as a more advanced playmaker and Joshua Zirkzee as possible alternatives, while Bruno Fernandes would likely stay in midfield rather than in a wide role.
The potential absence of Noussair Mazraoui would further complicate matters, possibly forcing Dalot to the right wing and Patrik Dorgo to the left, a reshuffle that could blunt the attacking threat but test the squad’s depth.
In the meantime, Dalot remains trusted by Amorim and has shown versatility, occasionally lining up on the left to support Mount and Cunha in recent appearances.
Ultimately, the attack’s backbone remains Mbiyomo and Diallo, whose bond has energized United’s forward line and provided a template for success in a congested period.
Punchline 1: United’s frontline is so in-demand that even the fixture list has started booking them extra flights and hotel rooms—international duties included, of course.
Punchline 2: If AFCON steals their stars, Manchester United will just invent a new trophy—the Most Creative Midseason Plan Award—and present it to Amorim and his tactical calendar.
