Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has described summer signing Bryan Mbeumo as a “joke” — but in a complimentary way — highlighting the winger’s impressive start to life at Old Trafford.

Mbeumo joined United from Brighton in July for £71 million and has already made a strong impact, scoring six goals and providing one assist in his first 12 Premier League games.

Speaking on his YouTube podcast, Ferdinand was asked to name Manchester United’s most important player at the moment. He responded:

“Mbeumo has been a joke. He’s really stepped in there and become a mainstay. I saw Thomas Frank’s comments about him the other day and Mbeumo nearly being a complete winger. I think by the end of this season, he’ll be one of the most complete wingers in the Premier League because he can do everything. He just needs to consistently do it in a United shirt.”

Mbeumo also scored Manchester United’s opening goal in their recent 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, further proving his value to Erik ten Hag’s squad.

With his early performances, Mbeumo is quickly cementing himself as a key player for Manchester United and could become one of the Premier League’s most complete wingers if he maintains his form throughout the season.