Wayne Rooney praises Bryan Mbeumo as Manchester United’s signing of the season
Manchester United are now slowly getting their mojo back after a disastrous start to their ongoing season. The team was once underconfident and trying to get a good run of results. However, in the recent three matches, they have looked sharper with each passing game. Finally, on October 25, 2025, United were clinical in front of the goal and beat Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford.
They secured their third straight win on the trot in the league this season. The match was more than a morale booster for the Red Devils, as it gave the United players the signal that they were moving in the right direction under Amorim.
Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, and Bryan Mbeumo each scored before halftime. Their goals pushed United 3–0 ahead and sent the crowd roaring. Brighton, as they often do, refused to fade. Danny Welbeck and Charalampos Kostoulas pulled goals back, reminding United that comfort never lasts long in English football. However, Mbeumo, calm and assured, ended the tension with his second goal. That strike confirmed how much influence he now has on the team.
BBC Sport (via TBR Football) reported that Wayne Rooney praised Mbeumo’s hunger and reliability. He admired the Cameroon international’s effort and said Mbeumo plays like someone who belongs at Old Trafford. Rooney admitted he once had doubts, but Mbeumo’s consistent performances changed his mind.
A legend’s praise carries weight; it lifts both the fans and the dressing room. Mbeumo’s growing impact is helping Manchester United move closer to signing Carlos Baleba. That move could strengthen their midfield even more.
“At Man United, he’s had some really good chances in games as well – he just hasn’t always taken them. But I think his energy, his work rate, his desire… that’s what you need to be a Man United player. And yeah, I did say I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is that he belongs there.
“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. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and getting chances, you’ll score. What was it, 20 goals last season he scored for Brentford? And now he’s started well again.
“When you’re a forward, you enjoy scoring goals, and that feeling keeps going. That’s why you see players go on streaks – scoring eight, ten, eleven goals on the bounce – and then sometimes they might go a few games without one. His confidence is very high at the minute, and hopefully that continues, because he’s certainly been the best signing for Man United this season.”
Cunha, Mbeumo, and the Debate Over the Best Signing
Rooney’s praise did more than highlight a strong performance; it sparked a debate. He called Mbeumo Manchester United’s best signing of the season. That claim draws comparisons and invites arguments. The 26-year-old has shown his consistency and sharpness in front of goal, which makes that view convincing.
He presses tirelessly, moves smartly, and finds space with ease. The Cameroon international has already reshaped United’s attack effectively. The team once relied too heavily on individual brilliance, but now his presence gives them structure and purpose.
On the other hand, Cunha brings a different kind of chaos. He moves across the front line, uses his quick feet, and takes bold risks that give United unpredictability. Stephen Warnock even compared Cunha’s style to Eric Cantona.
That comparison shows the level of flair he brings. Cunha turns matches with an unexpected pass or a flash of creativity, but his form shifts between brilliance and inconsistency. Meanwhile, Mbeumo delivers steady and effective performances every week.
So, who really stands as the best signing? Mbeumo builds his case on reliability. He performs every week, lifts the tempo, and converts chances. Cunha, however, creates openings that unsettle defenders and thrill supporters. Both players make United stronger in their own ways, but Rooney’s choice reveals something deeper.
Mbeumo has provided belief back to a team that lost it. His goals and hard work have lifted the squad’s confidence, and they have rebuilt moments that once slipped away. If he maintains this level, he won’t just be the best signing; he will be the player who helped Manchester United rediscover themselves.