Barcelona’s teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal has taken the football world by surprise after naming his favorite Manchester United player — and it’s not who anyone expected. While most fans assumed he would pick household names like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, or Casemiro, the 17-year-old sensation instead revealed that his admiration goes to Bryan Mbeumo, the Cameroonian forward who has been quietly making waves at Old Trafford.
During a recent interview, Yamal was asked which Premier League player inspires him the most in terms of creativity and boldness. Without hesitation, he mentioned Mbeumo, praising his unpredictable and daring style. “I’ve played with incredible players like Raphinha, Nico Williams, and Dembélé,” Yamal said with a grin. “But this particular Manchester United player is my favorite. I respect him for his unique style of play. He’s unpredictable, and that’s what makes him special.”
His unexpected choice left fans and pundits astonished. Since arriving at Manchester United, Mbeumo has steadily become one of the team’s most reliable and thrilling performers. His speed, work ethic, and ability to break through defenses have added a fresh spark to United’s attack. While others often steal the spotlight, Mbeumo’s consistency and confidence on the ball have earned quiet admiration from both teammates and rivals.
According to reports, Yamal is especially drawn to how Mbeumo takes risks on the pitch. He admires players who combine flair with intelligence — those who can transform defense into attack with one clever move. “When I watch him, I see a player who isn’t afraid to take chances,” Yamal reportedly said. “He plays with purpose, not fear. That’s what real football is about — enjoying the game while making things happen.”
Even Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has expressed similar admiration, admitting that Mbeumo’s confidence and energy make him one of the toughest wingers to face in the Premier League. Palmer noted that Mbeumo’s determination and attacking instinct set him apart from many of his peers.
With praise coming from two of Europe’s brightest young stars, Mbeumo’s rise is gaining new recognition. From his humble beginnings at Brentford to becoming a key part of Manchester United’s forward line, his journey has been defined by persistence and hard work.
Fans have also embraced Yamal’s comments, flooding social media with messages of support. Many described Mbeumo as “the underrated heartbeat” of United’s attack, while others applauded Yamal for valuing genuine talent over hype.
As Mbeumo continues to deliver impressive performances, his growing list of admirers shows that he’s fast becoming one of the Premier League’s most respected wingers — and for Yamal, he’s already a symbol of fearless, joyful football.
