Champions League: Bryan Mbeumo set to make his European debut

The Cameroon international will discover the competition with Manchester United

Africa Today at 05:29

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Champions League: Bryan Mbeumo set to make his European debut

10.09.26 15:00 Champions League

Manchester United

Sabah FK

Bryan Mbeumo will make his Champions League debut with Manchester United on Thursday. Having joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2025, the Cameroon international is set to play in Europe’s most prestigious club competition for the first time in his career, as Manchester United host Sabah FK at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian is among the Manchester United players who will discover the competition this season. He could therefore carry the hopes of the club’s African contingent in this opening fixture, as United return to the Champions League after two seasons away.

“It’s a big step for me. Going from France to such a prestigious club is a huge reward, and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said at the pre-match press conference.

After building his reputation in the Premier League, notably with Brentford, Mbeumo is now set to take his career to another level with Manchester United. His Champions League debut represents an important milestone for the Cameroonian forward, who will have the opportunity to test himself at the highest level of European football.

Baleba also set to make his debut, Amad already experienced

Mbeumo is not the only African player in Manchester United’s squad who is set to discover the competition. His compatriot Carlos Baleba, who joined the club this summer, is also expected to make his Champions League debut for the Red Devils. However, the Cameroonian midfielder is unavailable for this fixture and will have to wait before making his first Champions League appearance.

Amad Diallo, meanwhile, will also miss the match due to his unavailability. The Ivorian already has Champions League experience, having made his debut in the competition with Atalanta during the 2020-2021 season. Noussair Mazraoui, another African player in the squad, is also well acquainted with the competition following his spells with Ajax Amsterdam and Bayern Munich.

🚨🎙️ | Bryan Mbeumo on the UCL feeling 🗣️

"It's the FIRST time I've watched the draw.

"I'm EXCITED for the games, every team is different so it's good to go there and see."

"I saw the team, and I knew I'd have connections with the guys here at United. I knew we could achieve…
— utdzaire🇨🇩 (@utdZaiire) September 9, 2026

Thursday’s game will therefore give the Indomitable Lions forward the opportunity to write a new chapter in his career by finally making his Champions League debut in a Manchester United shirt.