Bryan Mbuemo did plenty of work on the Brentford training pitch with Keith Andrews before his move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.
Manchester United player Bryan Mbuemo pictured at a training camp at Carton House, County Kildare. Croke Park and TEG Sport have announced that Manchester United will play a pre-season fixture against Leeds United at Croke Park, Dublin, on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.(Image: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile)
Bryan Mbeumo isn’t surprised to see Keith Andrews make a successful move into management at Brentford.
The Manchester United forward made the move to Old Trafford from the Bees last summer in an €80million transfer that robbed Andrews of yet another big name during the summer.
The Dubliner was less than a month into his new role – having stepped up from set-piece coach to replace Thomas Frank – when the Mbeumo deal was confirmed.
Andrews also lost key players from the previous season such as Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard.
But that hasn’t stopped him – or Brentford – from becoming one of the success stories of the 2025/26 campaign.
They are currently seventh in the Premier League, three points behind fifth placed Liverpool, and European qualification is very much on the agenda.
Mbeumo did plenty of work with Andrews on the training pitch during his time with Brentford, and he paid tribute to the work done this year by the former Ireland midfielder.
“I think he’s been a big part of our success as well last season,” he said, speaking at Carton House where Manchester United have pitched up for a training camp this week.
“He was taken on the set-pieces, but he already had the capacity to talk, to motivate, and to bring the best out of ourselves.
“I’m not really surprised for what he’s doing this season. Especially because he’s kept a strong group as well. I’m very happy with what he’s doing.”
Mbuemo also dropped Nathan Collins’ name into the fray as one of the key figures behind Brentford’s success so far this term.
Collins hails from Leixlip, just down the road from Carton House – and the Ireland captain was the only outfield player in the Premier League to play every minute of last season.
“I think he’s got a lot of good potential in the future,” said the Cameroon international.
“When I was there, he was already a good leader with his voice. He motivated his teammates and he’s obviously a good person. I really enjoyed playing with him.
“Obviously we still have a good relationship.”
He revealed that he had been talking with Collins recently, but had yet to pick his old teammate’s brain about the venue for United’s summer friendly against Leeds United.
The two Premier League rivals will meet at Croke Park on August 12 as they prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
By then, Mbuemo hopes it’s full speed ahead for a return to the Champions League.
United are third in the table with seven games remaining and the 26-year-old is keen to get to the biggest stage in European football.
Last summer he turned down moves that would have put him straight into Champions League action, opting instead for the Red Devils.
He said: “Obviously first of all, joining Manchester was a big thing for me, I am someone who likes challenges and coming here was one of the challenges I fixed for myself.
“Getting the reward at the end of the season would be a great moment.
“It’s clear for everyone and with the position we are now, we want to finish as strong as possible and reach the top of the position in the table, hopefully playing Champions League football.”
Missing out on Europe and getting knocked out of the FA Cup in January to Brighton has meant a lot of down days for the United players.
Mbeumo wants to be much busier next season.
He said: “I think for the football player, you want to play games every single time, every single week.
“Obviously now it’s a bit of a rest for us, but I think it’s always hard to find the rhythm. I think that’s why we are here as well, to get ready for the next game and just be as strong as possible.”
The news of Harry Maguire’s one-year contract extension was welcomed by both Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
The 33-year-old has been at Old Trafford since his €90million move from Leicester City in 2019 and has made 266 appearances for the club, winning a League Cup and FA Cup.
“Harry has been a good captain,” said Diallo. “I know Bruno is the captain, but Harry has been one of them. He’s a big leader in the dressing room.
“He’s a pro to everyone, especially from the academy. He’s very important for the team and we’re very happy for his success. We want to have him in the club for many years.”
Manchester United player Bryan Mbuemo was speaking at Carton House, County Kildare. Croke Park and TEG Sport have announced that Manchester United will play a pre-season fixture against Leeds United at Croke Park, Dublin, on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.