Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney praised Bryan Mbeumo for his impressive performances this season and admitted he no longer doubts the £70 million signing.
The Cameroon international arrived from Brentford in the summer for a deal worth more than £70 million ($94m). Mbeumo initially struggled but has put both his critics and sceptics in their place with his consistency, trickery and incisiveness. His brace against Brighton took his tally to five goals in ten appearances, proving his growing influence in Amorim’s side.
Rooney admits Mbeumo has “proved he belongs” at United
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United captain reflected on how Mbeumo has transformed opinions since his big-money move.
“At Man United, he’s created plenty of good chances in games, though he hasn’t always finished them,” Rooney said. “His energy, work rate, and desire show exactly what a Man United player needs.”
“Yeah, I did say I was a little bit unsure, but what he’s shown is that he belongs there,” Rooney continued. “Obviously, Cunha’s come in, it’s great to see him get his goal, but Mbeumo has been consistent with his performances and that’s the main thing.”
Mbeumo’s adaptation to life at Old Trafford has been quick. That he has scored against quality opposition — including one at Anfield that enabled United to win for the first time at Liverpool since 2016 — underlines his big-game mentality. Rooney has always said consistency and confidence could take any forward up a level – and Mbeumo is the epitome of that conviction.
“If you are getting in the right areas and getting chances, then I’m sure you will score,” Rooney said. “He scored 20 last seasons at Brentford, and he’s got off to a good start again. When you’re a forward, that feeling of scoring keeps you going. His confidence is high right now, and hopefully that continues, because he’s certainly been the best signing for United this season.”
Wayne Rooney hails Cunha’s breakthrough moment
The 3-1 win over Brighton also brought relief for another new arrival — Matheus Cunha — who finally opened his account for the club. Despite his struggles in front of goal, the Brazilian forward has been one of United’s liveliest performers, adding pace and unpredictability to the frontline.
“You could see how much everyone was delighted for him — the manager as well — because that kind of thing can play on your mind,” Rooney said. “We’ve seen it with Darwin Nunez at Liverpool too — the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes. You lose that bit of confidence again. But getting that goal is massive for him because some of his performances have actually been really good.”
Rooney acknowledged that Cunha’s early-season injury had disrupted his rhythm but believes the goal could ignite a run of form.
“He’s missed a few games through injury, but you could see the delight when he scored,” Rooney added. “I’ve had it before where players really need that goal because they’re going through a tough spell. Hopefully now he can start showing what we saw from him at Wolves last year. He can kick on, improve and start to take hold of games by the scruff of the neck — because that is his potential. He’s unpredictable some of the time, and that’s why he is so dangerous.’
Author’s View
Rubin Amorim appears to be finding a balance of intensity and creativity at Manchester United, with Mbeumo and Cunha at the centre of that shift. Both players have added pace and liberty to United’s front line — two things which the club had sorely missed.
As Rooney pointed out, Mbeumo’s consistency and Cunha’s determination have given fans reasons to believe again. If their form continues, the duo could be the key to reigniting United’s title challenge and restoring their attacking reputation.
