Manchester United have put together their best run since Ruben Amorim took charge 12 months ago, with Rio Ferdinand making clear who he believes have been integral to their recent upturn in form
Rio Ferdinand has been very impressed with some of United's new boys
Rio Ferdinand has been very impressed with some of United's new boys
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Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Manchester United's in-form forward Bryan Mbeumo - labelling the £71million star "a joke".
Signed in the summer from Brentford, the Cameroon international has stepped up to the plate for United since his big-money move to Old Trafford, emerging as the chief goal threat in Ruben Amorim's expensively-assembled new look attack. While Benjamin Sesko has taken time to settle and Matheus Cunha has impressed with his all-round game and work ethic, Mbeumo has registered six goals and an assist in his opening 12 games. He was named the Premier League's player of the month for October, at a time where United have gone five games unbeaten in all competitions.
Former United defender Ferdinand was asked to name the club’s most important player right now on his YouTube podcast and was quick to highlight how impressed he has been with the 26-year-old.
"Mbeumo has been a joke," said Ferdinand. "He’s really stepped in there and become a mainstay. He’s someone who can give you two or three seconds on the ball to relieve pressure. He can score important goals and create chances.
"I saw Thomas Frank’s comments about him the other day and Mbeumo nearly being a complete winger.
"I think by the end of this season, he’ll be one of the most complete wingers in the Premier League because he can do everything. He just needs to consistently do it in a United shirt."
Manchester United have gone unbeaten in their last five Premier League games with Mbeumo starring
Manchester United have gone unbeaten in their last five Premier League games with Mbeumo starring
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Mbeumo was not the only player Ferdinand praised, with both Matthijs de Ligt and new goalkeeper Senne Lammens having impressed the ex-England centre-back.
"You can’t talk about anyone being our most important player without mentioning the goalkeeper," added Ferdinand. "It’s no coincidence we’ve had an upturn in form. We’ve got a goalkeeper that it seems all the players trust."
On the subject of De Ligt, who was at United last term but after issues with form and fitness has been an ever-present this term, playing every minute thus far, Ferdinand added: "I think Matthijs de Ligt has been our best defender this season, he’s been outstanding for us.
"He’s even adding goals – with the last-minute one the other day [against Tottenham].
"His pressing, his assertiveness and his willingness to go into foreign areas up the pitch to defend at the right times has been good. Clearing out of the box, he has been brilliant."
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