Bryan Mbeumo has completed his £71million switch from Brentford to Manchester United and is keen to make a similar impact at Old Trafford as his hero growing up Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United’s new signing Bryan Mbeumo already has his sights set on emulating his boyhood hero Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mbeumo, who has joined United from Brentford in a deal worth up to £71million, revealed the first football shirt he owned growing up was Ronaldo’s iconic No.7. The Cameroon star, who plays out wide like Ronaldo but can also operate centrally, was just four when his idol joined United for the first of two spells in 2003.
In that six-year spell, Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 appearances, before returning for an ill-fated second stint at United, which ended in acrimony after a season-and-a-half. Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, modelled himself on Ronaldo and said he dreams of matching the exploits of his hero now he is a United player himself.
“My first top was one with Ronaldo behind [on the back],” said Mbeumo, when asked to name his favourite player. “It changed the time. When I was really young, the two best footballers were Ronaldo and Messi. When I was growing up, Neymar. After that, it was Eden Hazard.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford sent clear message about attitude as Chelsea ace speaks on Barcelona moveREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim names 32-man squad for pre-season tour with 5 Man Utd stars brutally axed
“My dream was to become a football player and play for one of the biggest teams in the world. But when you’re actually doing it, it’s completely different.”
On the pitch, Mbeumo is an uncompromising, fearless and physical attacker, who shows no mercy to opponents in his relentless quest for goals and assists. Off it, however, he is a completely different character, with the piano and chess his chief hobbies away from the pressure of playing football at the highest level.
Asked if he was quiet or loud, Mbeumo said: “A little mix of the two. I’m quite quiet when I don’t know people. But when I know everyone I make jokes and have banter. I like piano and chess. I’m just a normal guy. I discovered the piano a few years ago, when a friend was playing and I wanted to try.
“With chess, I played a little bit when I was younger. Two or three years ago, I started playing and I enjoyed it, so I play online. I have a board at home but I have no-one to play with.”
Part of the initiation ritual for new signings at United is to perform a song in front of the squad, with Mbeumo hinting he could go one stage further. “Maybe I can play the piano and sing!” he said. “I know I’m a calmed and chilled guy out of the pitch, but on it I change completely. I’m really determined and focused.
“It comes from my parents. They gave me my values. Also, all the coaches I’ve worked with gave me a lot of advice. It’s like a family and all the things you face in your personal life helps build your mentality and character.
“I grew up in a small town, where everyone knew each other and I have a lot of memories from the stadium of my first team. I try to go back there at least once a year to see my old manager and the little kids, who have a dream as well, like I had. It’s really good for them to see someone who is here now. They can see that they can do it and that’s important for me.”
Piano-loving Mbeumo will hope to hit the right notes for United and help spark their revival after they ended last season in 15th place, their worst finish of the Premier League era.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.