Theo Walcott upset Arsenal did not sign 'incredible' Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo

Theo Walcott has named a Manchester United player he thinks Arsenal should have signed many years ago.

With the 2025/26 Premier League season nine matches deep, everyone is discussing new signings, whether they’ve hit the ground running or already look like examples of poor recruitment.

Ruben Amorim will be happy with how his new players have done after a difficult start to the campaign. Senne Lammens has a safe pair of hands as the first-choice goalkeeper, Bryan Mbeumo is providing goals along with Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

The only player yet to make their debut is Diego Leon, who will be introduced after he gains experience under Travis Binnion with the U21 side. That hasn’t stopped Leon from making his senior Paraguay debut during the October international break.

To help lift the mood at Old Trafford, United are showing signs of reaching a turning point. The Red Devils have won three consecutive games for the first time under Amorim. They will be looking to extend that to four when they travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Theo Walcott believes Arsenal missed out on Bryan Mbeumo

Mbeumo has impressed in his opening matches for United.

The Cameroon international scored a brace as United beat Brighton 4-2 in the Premier League last week. That means he has scored five goals in 10 games since completing a switch from Brentford.

United targeted Mbeumo on the back of a magnificent campaign with Brentford, in which he scored 20 goals on top of seven assists in the Premier League. There was competition for his signature from Tottenham, with Thomas Frank keen to reunite with his former talisman.

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Despite interest from elsewhere, Mbeumo signed for United in a deal worth £71 million.

Theo Walcott believes United have massively benefited from the fact both Cunha and Mbeumo arrived with Premier League experience.

“You have Cunha coming back and defending as well and Mbeumo, who I think is outstanding,” Walcott told It’s Called Soccer.

“You look at players away from the Premier League who come into the Premier League, they take time. These guys [like Mbeumo] were built for Premier League football.

“I think Mbeumo has been incredible and he’s a player Arsenal should have bought many years ago.”

Walcott spent 12 years at Arsenal after coming through the Southampton youth system. He arrived with immense promise, blistering speed and frequent battles with injuries.

Bryan Mbeumo nominated for October award

United fans can now vote for United’s Player of the Month for October.

After winning three games from three in the Premier League, it has been a positive month for the Red Devils.

Mbeumo is among the four nominees for the club’s Player of the Month award. The others include Lammens, Matthijs de Ligt and Cunha.

Mbeumo is looking to win the award for a second time this season.

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