United should not overburden Mbeumo. They cannot entertain the notion of playing him up front when everyone knows they want an out-and-out striker. Cunha, Amad and Bruno Fernandes are the playmakers who can make United play. Mbeumo has to go into the starting XI on the wing.

Ollie Watkins also has admirers at Old Trafford but Aston Villa told United early in the window that the 29-year-old is not for sale.