Wayne Rooney has admitted he was forced to make a U-turn by the Manchester United star who “proved me wrong” this season.
Man United beat arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, marking their most important win under manager Ruben Amorim.
Man United currently sit two points behind Liverpool after eight games and have won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time under Amorim.
The Red Devils fully deserved three points against Liverpool as their summer signing had a positive impact on Arne Slott’s side.
Manchester United became one of the most expensive teams in Europe this summer, signing Brian Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesco and Senne Ramens.
Mbeumo scored United’s opening goal against Liverpool and has been an “outstanding player”, but Rooney admitted he was “skeptical” about the former Brentford star in the summer.
“For me, he (Brian Mbeumo) has been Manchester United’s outstanding player this season, but he has yet to be rewarded for his hard work and the sacrifices he has made for the team,” Rooney said on the BBC’s podcast.
Read: Winners Manchester United actually had a better summer transfer window than losers Liverpool
“It was a great goal. To be honest, I was a little skeptical when United signed him. I didn’t know if he was capable of coming to Manchester United and playing, but he proved me wrong.”
“He’s a great addition to the team and I think he’s United’s best player of the season so far.”
Speaking about the impact of the win against Liverpool, Rooney added: “It’s a huge win for the coach.
“Throughout this season and last season, I’ve questioned decisions, I’ve questioned tactics, I’ve questioned the motivation of the players. That win was huge. It’s not easy to win at Anfield.”
“I would be the first to say that he got it absolutely right, the confidence he gives to the players and the manager.
“I hope we see more of that. We are currently two points behind Liverpool. I really liked the performance and I know the players can do it. We have to see this at a consistent level.”
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Manager Rio Ferdinand also praised Mbeumo, claiming he “causes problems and makes defenders nervous.”
“I have to talk about Mbeumo’s performance…he’s getting chances, but he wasn’t very clinical,” Ferdinand said.
“This guy keeps getting into good positions. In the end, luck will come. And today he got it.”
“He just causes problems and makes defenders nervous. Defenders never look comfortable with him.”
