“Shown that he belongs there” – Wayne Rooney waxes lyrical about Man United stars

Man United had a difficult start to the season, but they have kicked into gear in recent weeks, having picked up three wins in a row in the Premier League.

The latest came on Saturday as Brighton were defeated 4-2, in a match where there was a number of standouts for Man United – but perhaps none more so than two of their big-money summer signings.

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice against Brighton, and as per BBC Sport (via TBR Football), Wayne Rooney expressed his delight with the impact made at Old Trafford by the Cameroon international.

“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.”

Rooney also spoke glowingly on Matheus Cunha, who got his first goal for Man United in the victory over Brighton.

“You could see how much everyone was delighted for him – the manager as well – because that kind of thing can play on your mind. He’s obviously missed a few games through injury, but you could see the delight when he scored. I’ve had it before where players really need that goal because they’re going through a tough spell, and you just hope that it spurs them on.

“Hopefully now he can start showing what we saw from him at Wolves last year. I think he can kick on from this, get better, and start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck – because that’s what he’s capable of. He’s unpredictable at times, and that’s what makes him such a threat.”

Man United are now sixth in the Premier League, and they will fancy their chances of climbing higher when they travel to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

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