Wayne Rooney has admitted being “sceptical” of Manchester United’s signing of Bryan Mbeumo, but declared the Cameroonian as the club’s player of the season so far.
Mbeumo followed in the footsteps of Ivan Toney last season when he became only the second Brentford player ever to score 20 goals in a single Premier League campaign.
The 26-year-old was the subject of an extended pursuit from United in the summer as Brentford played hardball over his sale, but the Red Devils eventually landed the forward for up to £71million in July.
His early opener in United’s shock 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday made it three goals and one assist for Mbeumo in his first nine matches for his new club.
Bruno Fernandes is the only United player who has created more chances in the Premier League so far this season than Mbeumo’s 14.
Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer, explained how impressed he has been with the Cameroon international’s start to life at Old Trafford.
Speaking on his podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, the 39-year-old said: “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.
“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.
“I think he's been a great addition to the team and by far United's best player of the season.”
Victory over Liverpool had helped to ease the pressure on United head coach Ruben Amorim, Rooney added.
“That's such a huge win for the manager,” he said. “I've been one of them [his critics]. 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.”
