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.

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.

‘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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‘The end product is a little bit off.’

William Gallas says Manchester United ‘cannot justify’ the transfer fee they paid for one of their key summer signings.

The struggling Premier League giants spent over £200m on new recruits over the summer, bringing the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to the club

The improved mood at Old Trafford over the summer has quickly disappeared during a poor start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Manchester United have won just two of their first six Premier League games to slip to 14th in the table and suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.

The poor run has led to huge scrutiny over Ruben Amorim’s future as manager and reports that United are beginning to lose faith in the 40-year-old, who replaced Erik ten Hag last November.

Gallas believes Manchester United ‘spent a lot of money’ in the summer without actually strengthening the team greatly.

The ex-Premier League defender has also suggested United paid an overinflated price for £65m summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who joined from Brentford.

‘I think the problem is that I find it hard to understand what they did in the transfer window,’ Gallas told Gambling Zone.

‘They have Bryan Mbeumo, and the player is good enough for most sides, but I don’t know if you can justify that transfer fee.

‘They’ve spent an awful lot of money and not really changed too many of their first-choice XI.

‘We’re always talking about money these days, and I know the prices keep on rising every year, but come on. This seems crazy.’

Mbeumo has looked bright in his seven appearances for Manchester United but has only contributed one goal – which came against Grimsby – and is yet to provide any assists.

United’s miserable start to the season has left Gallas wondering whether Amorim will still be in charge by Christmas.

Manchester United’s board appear to be backing Amorim for now but their patience will be tested if results do not improve, starting with Saturday’s clash against Sunderland.

‘The problem for Ruben right now is that he looks like he’s struggling for the solution on the bench,’ added Gallas, who played for the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.

‘He looks like he’s trying to figure things out for the first time, trying to make them play better somehow. He looks lost.

‘I don’t think his body language and manner, his emotional response, gives a great impression to his players and the fans of Manchester United.

‘Looking at him, I don’t know if he will make it to Christmas, to be honest, because it feels like United are one defeat or one bad performance away from a crisis.’

While Manchester United were beaten by Brentford last time out, Sunderland continued their brilliant start to life back in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

That was Sunderland’s third victory from six games and leaves Regis Le Bris’ side fifth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford.

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