Rooney admits he was ‘sceptical’ about Mbeumo after Man United move

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has confessed he was ‘a bit sceptical’ when the Premier League club went for the services of Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo during the last summer transfer window.

Mbeumo joined the Red Devils in July 2025, after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best attackers at Brentford. The 25-year-old signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

Though he had a slow start to his United career, Mbeumo showed his clash during the Premier League fixture against Liverpool at Anfield. He scored the opener, setting Man United to a 2-1 win.

‘I didn’t know he had ability to play for Man United’

“For me he has been Manchester United’s standout player this season and he hasn’t got his rewards for his hard work and the sacrifices he’s made for the team throughout the season,” Rooney told The Wayne Rooney Show as quoted by Goal.com.

“I thought it was a great goal [against Liverpool], and I’ll be honest, I was a bit sceptical when Manchester United signed him, I didn’t know if he had the ability to come and play for Manchester United, but he’s proved me wrong.”

Rooney added: “I think he’s been a great addition to the team and by far United’s best player of the season. That’s such a huge win for the manager. I’ve been one of them, I’ve questioned decisions, tactics, players’ desire over this season and last season and that win is massive, to win at Anfield – that’s not easy to do.”

Mbeumo had scored 70 goals and registered 51 assists in 242 games for Brentford since joining in 2019 from Troyes. He netted 20 goals and registered seven assists in the Premier League last season – both career highs.