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Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes his former club has struck gold with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. The Red Devils were keen to upgrade their attack this summer after a disappointing campaign that saw them finish 15th in the Premier League.
United signed Cunha at the start of the transfer window from Wolverhampton Wanderers, before prising Mbeumo away from Brentford after a prolonged pursuit.
The Cameroonian has been outstanding for Ruben Amorim’s side this season, and his performances have now earned him high praise from Rooney.
United’s signing of the summer
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s record goalscorer labelled Mbeumo as the club’s best signing of the summer.
“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,” said Rooney.
“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.”
Mbeumo has now scored five goals and set up one more in 10 appearances for the English giants this season. The 26 year old has started all nine Premier League games for United, completing the full 90 minutes in all but two of them.
Cunha’s unpredictability his greatest asset
Cunha, meanwhile, scored his first goal for United in the 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, 25 October. The Brazilian’s performances have already impressed Rooney, who added that the player’s unpredictability makes him a huge threat.
“No, you could see how much everyone was delighted for him – the manager as well – because that kind of thing can play on your mind,” said Rooney.
“We’ve seen it with Darwin Nunez at Liverpool too – the longer it goes on, the harder it becomes. You lose that bit of confidence again. But getting that goal is massive for him because some of his performances have actually been really good.
“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.”
United will be counting on Cunha and Mbeumo when they travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, 1 November. The Red Devils are now sixth in the league table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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