Chessmaster Mbeumo reveals how Amorim sold him Man Utd's future

Manchester United's new star Bryan Mbeumo has revealed his belief in Ruben Amorim's project at Old Trafford. Talking to Rio Ferdinand and his podcast, in his first interview with external media as a United player, the former Brentford striker also spoke about his passion for chess.

Mbeumo claims that Man Utd is "a big club, and a great opportunity for him."

"I'm someone who likes a challenge. There is a very good project in Manchester and I wanted to be part of it," said Mbeumo, whose former Brentford boss Thomas Frank also wanted him at Tottenham.

Alas, it was Ruben Amorim who sold him the future...

"It was a very friendly conversation and a constructive one. He explained his project to me, what he wanted to do and I really clicked on that. Of course, I spoke to some other managers because I wanted to hear their projects, but the Manchester United one was very good for me."

Old Trafford was also one of the reasons his final decision was to join the Red Devils.

"You want to play on the greatest stages in the world, and Old Trafford is one of them, so being able to play here every two weeks is just big."

Moreover, Mbeumo's compatriot and teammate Andre Onana also played his part...

"I spoke to him, yeah, he wanted me to come. It's always good to have someone like him around."

Interestingly, the 25-year-old Mbeumo is a passionate chess player in his spare time.

"Chess, even if it's not physical, there is a lot of thought," Mbeumo said. "When you play football, you have to think as well. Playing chess, you can see some moves ahead because it is a strategy game. In football, you have your strategy as well so you can link them together."

Mbeumo added: "There was a one period where I was really, really into it. I was watching videos on YouTube, doing training on the app. I think even for the brain, it's really, really good. You can develop new skills.

"Playing online is anonymous. I have a username, you choose a nickname and just play against random people online, and I use my own chess board against them.

"I've been told that Josh (Zirkzee) plays, so I might need to play against him and bring in the chessboard."