Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo, a key player for Manchester United, has given fans a glimpse into his pre-match rituals, which include listening to music and playing chess. This revelation came during a recent episode of United’s podcast ‘Inside Carrington’, where Mbeumo shared insights into his preparation routine before matches.
Bryan Mbeumo said: “Listening to music and I also play chess sometimes [in the dressing room].”
Mbeumo further elaborated on his chess skills, revealing that he mostly plays online and has achieved an impressive rank of 850. During the podcast, his teammate Joshua Zirkzee humorously challenged Mbeumo, suggesting that he avoids playing against him.
Joshua Zirkzee said: “He’s scared to play against me, though. You lost against Matheus [Cunha] the other day.”
The playful banter between Mbeumo and Zirkzee highlighted their camaraderie, with Mbeumo expressing admiration for Zirkzee’s skills on the field. Despite limited opportunities under interim head coach Michael Carrick, Zirkzee has shown potential in his brief appearances. Mbeumo praised Zirkzee’s skill and ability to hold the ball, noting his surprise at the Dutchman’s talent.
Bryan Mbeumo said: “I was really impressed with Josh because he’s a lot more skilful than I would have thought with the ball and he can just hold the ball very easy with his body and a good strike.”
Zirkzee, who has had limited game time due to the absence of cup or European competitions, remains focused on making the most of his opportunities. He emphasized the importance of delivering strong performances, regardless of the minutes he plays, to help the team secure victories.
Joshua Zirkzee said: “It’s more about me showing up when it’s important; no matter how many minutes I’m getting, I’m focusing on delivering and trying to help the team secure the wins.”
The insights shared by Mbeumo and Zirkzee provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the Manchester United squad. As the team navigates the season under Carrick’s leadership, players like Mbeumo and Zirkzee are committed to contributing to the team’s success, both on and off the pitch.