Bryan Mbeumo has travelled to the United States to play for Man Utd during their three-game pre-season tourMbeumo was unveiled on Monday night.(Image: Manchester United)

Manchester United signing Bryan Mbeumo chose a Cristiano Ronaldo shirt for his first kit when he was a child.

United officially announced the signing of Mbeumo from Brentford for £65million plus £6m in add-ons on Monday night. Mbeumo visited Carrington to undergo his medical last weekend and the forward has signed a five-year contract, with the option of an additional year, at Old Trafford.

The club said Mbeumo made it clear from the outset his desire to join the club and never budged from that position, despite interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle this summer.

When his transfer was announced, Mbeumo described United as the club of his dreams and he also revealed that his first shirt as a child had Ronaldo’s name printed on the back.

The Cameroon international is 25 years old, meaning he grew up watching Ronaldo in his prime.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner left United in dramatic circumstances in November 2022, but Ronaldo’s first stint in Manchester was hugely successful and he inspired Mbeumo when he was younger.

“My first top was one with Ronaldo behind [on the back],” said Mbeumo during an interview with club media. “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.

“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.”

Asked if he was quiet or loud, Mbeumo added: “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.”

Mbeumo was asked about his initiation in front of the squad and said: “Maybe I can play the piano and sing! I know I’m a calm and chilled guy on 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.”

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