Bryan Mbeumo made Man Utd choice and is learning fast about life at Old Trafford

Up to now, the life of Bryan (Mbeumo) has felt anything but biblical. Surreal, yes, which would be in keeping with the 1979 film made famous by Monty Python .

But just like leading character Brian Cohen, Mbeumo has been mistaken for being some sort of Messiah, where Manchester United are concerned. Mbeumo went from being a big fish in a small pond, to someone with everything to prove when he left Brentford to join United this summer - a move which left lingering resentment between the two top-flight outfits.

He also swapped one of the best run football clubs in the Premier League, for one of the most dysfunctional. United's problems have been desperate and dark in recent times. Which means Mbeumo could be forgiven for feeling a bit more comfortable when he returns to more familiar surroundings on Saturday.

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Mbeumo deserves a warm welcome when United take on Brentford. He scored 20 goals in what proved to be his swansong, and helped leave Brentford in a much stronger position than when he joined them in 2019. And he might have felt ready for that next step.

But nothing can prepare someone like Mbeumo for what awaits them at one of the biggest clubs on the planet. But also one that is now one of biggest underachievers as well.

The pressure and demands placed on those who choose to make Old Trafford their new home are on a par with Real Madrid at times.

United supporters demanded success, because Sir Alex Ferguson did what he did to embed it in the club's DNA. And the shirt has worn heavy on the shoulders of United players since the club last won the Premier League title in 2013.

Mbeumo chose to be part of this, having rejected offers from other clubs to force through a move to United.

You have to be built of stubborn and strong stuff to make it in the red half of Manchester. And Mbeumo has made a bright start, winning the 'player of the month' award for August.

He has scored twice in six appearances, but one of these counts for nothing, because it came in United's humiliating and humbling Carabao Cup defeat to minnows Grimsby Town. The inquest which followed was long and loud.

And it will have opened Mbeumo's eyes to how much noise surrounds his new club on a constant basis. The scrutiny is relentless - and can reduce some players to rubble.

And with Mbeumo hailed as one of those signings who can help lead Ruben Amorim's team back to where United have an entitled belief they should be, that pressure is now immense.

And this weekend, along with many more in the future, will show us whether Mbeumo will stand or fall.

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