Gary Lineker has explained why he had a ‘question mark’ over Manchester United summer signing Bryan Mbeumo before his move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils spent £65m to sign Cameroon international Mbeumo from Premier League rivals Brentford.
Mbeumo made 242 appearances for the Bees during his six-year spell in west London, scoring 70 goals – including 20 in the Premier League last season.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to his Manchester United career, scoring five goals in ten appearances, and Lineker has described him as a ‘classy player’.
Lineker initially questioned how Mbeumo would find the ‘jump’ from Brentford to ‘one of the giants of world football’ but says it is already clear he can ‘handle’ the pressure.
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Mbeumo scored United’s opener in their memorable win at Liverpool last weekend before bagging a brace in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Brighton.
Assessing Manchester United’s third successive win, Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast: ‘I thought they played really well.
‘He’s really good, Mbeumo. I suppose the question mark over someone who has done well consistently at a club like Brentford is whether, and no disrespect to Brentford, they can make the jump to one of the giants of world football.
‘You’re never completely sure if a player can handle that but he he clearly can. It’s not fazed him in the slightest. I would say the same with [Matheus] Cunha. He’s another classy player.’
Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney has also been impressed by Mbeumo’s impact at Manchester United.
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Like Lineker, Rooney had some doubts about Mbeumo when he joined the club but is pleased those concerns have already been allayed.
‘His energy, his work-rate, his desire, is what you need to be a United player,’ Rooney said on his BBC podcast.
‘I did say that I was a little bit unsure about Mbeumo, but I think what he’s shown is he belongs there.
‘He’s been consistent with his performances, I think that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions, and getting chances, you will score 20 goals a season.’
Manchester United have won three Premier League games in a row for the first time since the start of February.
Ruben Amorim was fighting to save his job just a matter of weeks ago but three straight wins has greatly improved the mood at Old Trafford.
‘You’ve got to give United big credit,’ Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer said after the Red Devils climbed to sixth in the table.
‘After that big result against Liverpool they had to win at the weekend. It was a big win for them.
‘That result and the run they’re on will give Amorim huge belief that the system can work.
‘Let’s see with United, they’re improving and you’ve got to say well done to them, but let’s see over the next month or so.’
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