For Sébastien Bassong, Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United was about far more than transfers, headlines or social media hype.
It was about legacy.
And after Mbeumo’s first season at Old Trafford, former Cameroon international Bassong believes the winger-forward has delivered exactly what was needed.
“I would say efficient,” Bassong told Football Presse.
“Professional, efficient, impactful.
“He had the impact that was expected of him — and I think he even went above.”
Mbeumo arrived at United after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players with Brentford. Yet questions followed him to Old Trafford.
Could he deliver at one of world football’s most scrutinised clubs? Could a player who had been Brentford’s main attacking outlet make the jump to a team carrying far heavier expectation?
Bassong, who played for Newcastle United and Tottenham in the Premier League, says Mbeumo answered those doubts quickly.
“People were questioning because he was coming from Brentford,” he said.
“He was the main player there.
“But can you do it on a stage like Manchester United, especially with everything the club were going through?
“At the end of the day, he came in, and now they’re playing Champions League football.
“So regardless of what people were saying, he’s part of the team that got United back on track.”
As impressive as the numbers and performances have been, Bassong believes the real reason behind Mbeumo’s success lies elsewhere.
“Because of who he is as a person,” Bassong told Football Presse on behalf of Betgoodwin.
“He’s honest. He’s a willing worker. He doesn’t try to do things he doesn’t know.
“He understands the task he’s been given.”
But it is Mbeumo’s mentality, rather than simply his technique, that Bassong admires most.
“He’s a smart player,” he explained.
“He doesn’t get emotionally overwhelmed by things.
“He can manage his emotions really well.
“The brain is the biggest muscle, and people forget that. He’s trained his brain really well.”
Bassong believes that emotional intelligence has allowed Mbeumo to survive where other talented players have struggled at Old Trafford.
“When things don’t work, he puts them to bed quickly and moves on to the next one,” he said.
“That’s the sign of a champion.”
And for Cameroon, Mbeumo’s success means more than goals or assists.
“That puts Cameroon back on the map,” Bassong declares.
“Football is a cycle.
“When you have a player like Bryan at Manchester United, playing Champions League football, it carries on the legacy of great Cameroonian players.
“And when Bryan scores...” Bassong added with a smile, “there’s a bit of pride. I can brag a little bit.”