While everyone looks to the heavens in Como ahead of Manchester United’s visit in the Champions League this evening, Sky Italia are focused on matters on the pitch.
And they think they know who will be playing up front for United against Cesc Fabregas’ side to boot.
The striker position has become a problem are for Michael Carrick this season, with Benjamin Sesko currently out inured with a long-term shin complaint.
That’s forced the Manchester United manager into alternative arrangements. He’s been alternating between Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as his forward option in the meantime.
Bryan Mbeumo impressing
The latter has looked more comfortable in the role in recent weeks, bagging goals against Tottenham and Leeds United as the central striker so far. Indeed, he has two goal in three games in that position so far.
Cunha, in comparison, has one goal and two assists in six games in the position. And as far as Sky Italia are concerned, that means Mbeumo will be up front for the clash against Como.
“The sky over Como has adapted to that of Manchester to welcome Manchester United fans because it’s pouring,” their journalist Gianluigi Bagnulo reported.
“Manchester United, which despite being in a deep crisis, is always followed by many fans. The away sector will be full and which at the moment relies on very few certainties.
“Among these very few certainties, there is certainly Brian Mbeumo, who would also play tonight in a false nine role.
“Where Michael Carrick is constantly testing it, also because he doesn’t trust Zirkzee much.
“Cunha is not in top form at the moment and Sesko is out injured. What I can tell you, fresh news is that it seems like a fairly long injury for Sesko. He might have for 4-5 months out.
“Then he (Carrick) often relies on Mbeumo in front, who is however a player who arrived for €70mi from Brentford. He scored 70 goals with Brentford. And he also did well in his early days with Manchester United last season.
“He’s now scored two goals in the last two Premier League games. And he is the only Manchester United player to have scored in the last month of the Premier League for the Red Devils.”
Mbeumo’s character praised
It wasn’t just the Manchester United forward’s prowess on teh pitch that had Bagnulo singing his praises either.
He was also keen to emphasis Mbeumo’s character, and his love for piano.
“And to tell you a bit about the character, while the deluge obviously returns, is one who has learned to play the piano as a self-taught. He has this characteristic, he loves the piano,” he added.
“I am always fascinated by the players who manage to find a passion outside of football. We have this characteristic that he is very good at playing the piano.
“We will see if he will be equally good at leading the Manchester United attack when the official formations are out. And even if he will actually be the starter there in front.”
Match expected to go ahead
Despite worries around the weather and warnings of further rain, thunderstorms, high winds and potentially landslides, there’s confidence around Como that the match is going ahead.
If not, UEFA have a plan for it to take place tomorrow, as we explained earlier.
