Mbeumo's Hero Worship: Zidane, Eto'o and Hazard Top the United Star's Dream XI Influences

Picture this: you're sinking a pint at the pub, chatting footy, and Bryan Mbeumo drops in to spill on his childhood idols. The Cameroonian speed demon, who's turned Manchester United's attack from a damp squib into a firecracker, has been chatting with ex-Red Devil Danny Webber for the Influencers series. And blimey, his picks are pure class – a trio that screams flair, goals, and that je ne sais quoi.

From Bees to Devils: Mbeumo's Red Hot Start

Let's rewind to last summer. Mbeumo was the talk of the town after buzzing around for Brentford, notching 20 goals and 8 assists in 38 Premier League outings. United, who'd limped to just 44 league strikes the prior campaign, were desperate for goals. They fended off rivals and snapped him up – best bit of business since sliced bread?

He's wasted no time bedding in. Kicked off with a goal in the shocking EFL Cup exit to Grimsby Town – yeah, that one still stings. Then, bang, his first Prem nod against Fulham in a 3-2 thriller. Under Ruben Amorim, he started every league game until AFCON duty called in December. By his return, Amorim was gone, Michael Carrick was caretaker, but Mbeumo kept firing: 3 goals, 2 assists in his first six under the gaffer.

Sure, he's hit a mini-slump – no goals or assists in the last four. But don't cry into your ale yet; he's joint-top scorer with Benjamin Sesko this 2025/26 season, and United sit pretty in third after 31 games. Crucial cog in the machine, that lad.

Icons That Shaped the Man

Born in Avallon, France, in '99, Mbeumo grew up idolising French royalty and African legends. Top of the pile? Zinedine Zidane. "For us in France, obviously Zidane," he grinned. Makes sense – Zizou was the king of swagger during those glory years.

Then there's Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon's gift to the game. Mbeumo raved: the bloke had "dribbling, shooting, passing – he had it all." World Cups, AFCONs, Euros – Eto'o lit them up, and for a young lad tuning in, he was the full package. No wonder United's forward sees echoes in his own game.

Fast-forward to his Troyes days, and Eden Hazard stole the show. "I watched his highlights every time," Mbeumo admitted. That Lille magic, Chelsea brilliance – running past defenders like they were traffic cones, deadly finishing, silky passing. Hazard's drive and turn? "Insane," says Mbeumo. You can see why; both love skinning full-backs for fun.

As reported by The Peoples Person via OneFootball, this chat paints Mbeumo as a student of the game's artists. Not just finishers, but creators who dazzle.

Drought Buster? Leeds Looms Large

Carrick's got a puzzle over the international break: snap Mbeumo's dry spell. United face fierce foes Leeds United on 13 April – a derby that could crank up the title charge. Champions League? It's on the cards now, and Mbeumo could be the spark.

He's not just scoring; he's United's heartbeat up top. From Brentford benchwarmer dreams to Old Trafford regular, this lad's trajectory is steeper than Ben Nevis. Keep an eye – if he channels Zidane's vision, Eto'o's ruthlessness, and Hazard's hips, defences are in bother.

Fancy a wager? Mbeumo ends the drought at Elland Road. Cheers to that – pass the crisps.