Wayne Rooney has confessed that Manchester United’s summer signing Bryan Mbeumo is “proving him wrong” after another standout display in United’s 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
The £71 million forward, who arrived from Brentford during the summer window, scored his second Premier League goal of the season in the victory — a performance that caught the eye of United’s all-time leading scorer.
Mbeumo’s move came with intense scrutiny due to his price tag, but the 26-year-old has quickly justified the investment. In nine appearances across all competitions this season, he has three goals and one assist, becoming one of Ruben Amorim’s most consistent performers.
Wayne Rooney on Bryan Mbeumo’s transformation
Speaking on Sky Sports, Rooney admitted he had reservations about the signing but now recognises Mbeumo’s impact.
“I’ll be honest, I was a bit sceptical when Manchester United signed him,” said Rooney. “I didn’t know whether he had the ability to come in and play for United. But he’s proved me wrong – I think he’s been a great addition to the team and by far United’s best player of the season.
“Whatever he does now in a United shirt, it doesn’t really matter, does it? Because he scored against Liverpool! But you know what, the thing is, when you’ve got a player with that level of tenacity – that never-say-die attitude – who runs after loose balls, keeps going, and does what you need from a Manchester United player… that should be the absolute bare minimum. And he does that in abundance. Plus, he’s got real quality as well.”
Rooney highlighted that Mbeumo’s combination of work rate and attacking intelligence embodies the kind of spirit United fans demand.
The forward, who netted 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, has seamlessly transitioned into Amorim’s system — offering pace, pressing, and a clinical edge that United had lacked in previous campaigns.
Rooney also praises Maguire and Amorim’s tactical approach
Mbeumo wasn’t the only United player to earn praise from Rooney. The former England captain also commended Harry Maguire for his leadership and Ruben Amorim for his tactical acumen in the Liverpool victory.
“I think bringing Harry Maguire in – I don’t know whether that was because of injury or necessity – but I said a few weeks ago that he’s such an important player for Manchester United. His leadership qualities and experience, especially at Anfield, were massive. It was 100% the right decision,” said Rooney.
“A huge call from the manager, and tactically, I thought Manchester United were spot on today.”
Amorim’s approach — pressing high, defending compactly, and using Mbeumo’s pace on the counter — worked perfectly against Liverpool’s high defensive line, delivering United’s first win at Anfield in five years.
Mbeumo’s evolution under Amorim
Mbeumo’s development at United is already becoming one of the season’s standout success stories. Amorim’s faith in him as both a wide forward and a central option has helped unlock his full potential. The Portuguese manager has publicly praised Mbeumo’s professionalism and his willingness to adapt to multiple roles in United’s fluid front three.
Sources close to the club say Amorim views Mbeumo as “a crucial tactical weapon,” particularly for big matches where work rate and discipline are as vital as creativity. That adaptability has made him indispensable — especially as new signing Benjamin Šeško continues to settle.
Why Mbeumo’s mentality sets him apart
What makes Mbeumo’s rise even more impressive is his attitude. After being written off by sections of the media following his big-money move, the Cameroon international responded in typical fashion — through hard work and consistency.
Teammates have reportedly praised his energy and humility in training, with one senior player describing him as “the hardest worker in the room.” His pressing intensity has also transformed United’s attacking shape, allowing Amorim to deploy a more aggressive off-ball structure.
If he continues on this trajectory, Mbeumo could become one of the defining players of United’s 2025/26 campaign — both statistically and symbolically.
Analyst Verdict
In my view, Mbeumo’s performances reflect the new Manchester United identity under Amorim: pressing, discipline, and selflessness. Rooney’s public U-turn highlights how far the forward has come in a short time.
FootballPlace analyst John William adds: “Mbeumo was a risk at £71 million, but he’s proving to be a tactical and emotional leader for this new United. He’s not just proving Rooney wrong — he’s proving United made the right gamble.”
Key Insights
- Bryan Mbeumo has 3 goals and 1 assist in 9 appearances for Manchester United this season.
- Rooney admits he was “sceptical” of the signing but now calls Mbeumo “United’s best player this season.”
- Amorim’s tactical structure has unlocked Mbeumo’s pressing and pace.
- Rooney also praised Maguire’s leadership and Amorim’s match plan in the Liverpool win.
- Mbeumo scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season before joining United.
What’s Next for Manchester United
Manchester United’s next challenge comes against Brighton in the Premier League. Amorim will hope Mbeumo continues his excellent form as United look to climb further up the table.
With Rooney’s endorsement now in hand, the pressure on Mbeumo may finally start to ease — though the forward seems determined to keep proving people wrong.
👉 Can Bryan Mbeumo continue his red-hot form and become Manchester United’s surprise star of the season?
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