Bryan Mbeumo stars on the first cover of United magazine, a new club title launched last month in alignment with The Stone Roses range.
The Cameroon international was the obvious choice, for two reasons.
Firstly, it's an iconic image of him lying on the ground, with a guitar in hand and paint stylistically flung across the scene in a Jackson Pollock style.
Then there’s his genuine passion for music, which was a talking point when his love of the piano came to light during last summer's signing interview as a Red.
Firstly, it's an iconic image of him lying on the ground, with a guitar in hand and paint stylistically flung across the scene in a Jackson Pollock style.
Then there’s his genuine passion for music, which was a talking point when his love of the piano came to light during last summer's signing interview as a Red.
Senior staff writer Joe Ganley was in the room for Bryan’s photoshoot, taking notes for an exclusive 10-page, behind-the-scenes feature in the magazine.
While on site, our roving reporter grabbed a word with Mbeumo to find out when music came into his life - and learned it traces back to his father.
“Music really important to me, because I grew up with it,”
said Bryan.
“I remember every Sunday my dad would put music on during the cleaning of the house, so every Sunday we’d have it on. When I was a bit older, I was listening to my own music.
“My dad would play only African music and sometimes I listen to that now, but most of the time it’s French rap, Afrobeat and piano music.
“I had a friend who played piano, and I went to their house one day and she was playing, and I was like: that’s so beautiful. And I wanted to try to learn.
“I always like to learn new things in life. It’s relaxing as well, so I really like that. Right now, I’m learning ‘7 Years’ by Lukas Graham and I’m playing almost every day. I’ve just bought a new piano.
“Are there any important songs from my career? Freed From Desire. It was played when we won the play-offs [with Brentford] so I still listen to that.”
FURTHER READING
Explore our club's connection to music in issue one of United magazine - order one online and have it delivered to your door.
Explore our club's connection to music in issue one of United magazine - order one online and have it delivered to your door.