Wayne Rooney admits Manchester United summer signing Bryan Mbeumo has ‘proved him wrong’ since his move to Old Trafford.
Rooney was ‘sceptical’ Mbeumo ‘had the ability’ to thrive at his former club following his £65m summer move from Brentford.
But the ex-England striker has already changed his mind about Mbeumo and says he has been Manchester United’s ‘standout player’ this season.
Mbeumo, 26, scored an early opener during United’s impressive and surprising 2-1 win over Premier League champions and arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Cody Gakpo drew Liverpool level in the 78th minute but Manchester United scored again six minutes later, with Harry Maguire’s winner earning the visitors their first victory at Anfield since 2016.
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Analysing United’s victory on his BBC podcast, Rooney said: ‘For me he [Bryan Mbeumo] has been Manchester United’s standout player this season and he hasn’t got his rewards for his hard work and the sacrifices he’s made for the team.
‘It was a great goal. I’ll be honest I was a bit sceptical when United signed him, I didn’t know if he had the ability to come and play for Manchester United, but he’s proved me wrong.
‘I think he’s been a great addition to the team and by far United’s best player of the season.’
It was the first time Manchester United have won back-to-back games in the Premier League since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag last November.
The victory saw the Red Devils climb to ninth in the Premier League, just two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
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‘It’s such a huge win for the manager,’ said Rooney, who won five Premier League titles at Manchester United.
‘I’ve questioned decisions, I’ve questioned tactics, I’ve questioned players’ desire over this season and last season. That win is massive. To win at Anfield is not easy to do.
‘The confidence that gives the players and the manager, I’ll be the first to say he got it absolutely spot on.
‘I hope we see more of it. Two points off Liverpool now. I really liked the performance and we know the players can do it, we have to see this on a consistent level.’
While Manchester United celebrated a rare win at Anfield, Liverpool suffered a fourth straight defeat, slipping further behind Premier League pacesetters Arsenal.
Asked for his take on Liverpool’s poor form, Rooney said: ‘I think they’ve got a bit complacent.
‘For Arne Slot, you forget because he won the Premier League, but he’s still quite young – 46 years of age and this was the first time he’s lost four in a row in his career.
‘[Against Manchester United] he was arguing with the officials on the touchline, I haven’t seen that before from him.
‘We’re starting to see things unfold which shows that there’s pressure there.’
Liverpool return to action on Wednesday night against Champions League rivals Eintracht Frankfurt, while Manchester United face Brighton next weekend.
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