‘Cool, calm, beautiful’: Keane voices rare praise for Man Utd man who’s showing ‘exactly’ why they bought him

Roy Keane was thoroughly impressed with Bryan Mbeumo’s finish to draw Manchester United level yesterday evening.

Before the Red Devils went on to secure an emphatic away victory, they trailed for eight minutes following an unfortunate own-goal from Lisandro Martinez.

United’s attackers were then sharp enough to capitalise on Arsenal’s dismal defending, as Mbeumo claimed the ball from a sloppy Martin Zubimendi pass to take it into the Gunners’ area, play it around David Raya and slot his effort into an almost empty net.

Mbeumo earned a 7.7 rating on Fotmob. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Reacting to the goal on Sky Sports, Keane was put on the spot regarding Mbeumo’s clinicality and whether that’s why United wanted to sign him last summer.

“Exactly. That’s why they brought him into the club. Obviously, he’s also one of the [more] experienced players in the Premiership,” said the United legend.

“Goalscoring last year for United was a huge, huge problem. A lot better this year, and, obviously, poor [defending] from Arsenal.”

Watching the chance unfold, Keane added: “ He’s (Mbeumo) still got to finish it . He’s cool, he’s calm… beautiful. Gets United back into the game and gives them a big lift, as well.”

– Sunday, 25 January 2026

Mbeumo was on the scoresheet in last week’s Manchester derby. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It marked Mbeumo’s eighth league goal since joining United and his second in as many games since returning from the African Cup of Nations.

The Cameroonian, 26, has now found the back of the net against the league leaders, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

His clinicality up front has fans optimistic he’s going to convert an opportunity every time he’s one-on-one with the opposition’s goalkeeper, which can’t be said for United’s attackers in recent years, like Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

Next up for Michael Carrick, who’s now unbeaten in the five total games he’s managed the club (this time around and in winter 2021), is a clash at home to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

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