Man Utd legend makes bold Kobbie Mainoo prediction for Euro 2024 final
- Wayne Rooney believes Kobbie Mainoo will be key to England's success in Euro 2024 final
- Man Utd youngster has been praised for his efforts in Germany
- Former Red Devils star Rio Ferdinand also believes strongly in the 19-year-old
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes youngster Kobbie Mainoo will be key for England's chances of success on Sunday when they take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions will play in their second successive Euro final when they travel to Berlin to face Luis de la Fuente's side, with hopes of finally ending their wait for European silverware. Their performances so far in the tournament have received mixed reviews, but Red Devils star Mainoo has been the subject of praise from both fans and pundits.
The 19-year-old has featured in five of his nation's six games in the competition, partnering Declan Rice in midfield and impressing with his attacking runs forward and composure on the ball.
His skills, according to Rooney, will be what catapult England to success in the huge clash.
"Mainoo has made a big difference," he told The Sunday Times. "He takes the ball and he is able to keep it in tight spaces in the opposition half. He's brave. He gets forward at the right times but even more importantly, as he demonstrated in the semi-final against the Netherlands, he has the ability to do important work out of possession.
"Against the Dutch he stopped four or five counterattacks, and when they played cut-backs he was in the right position to clear the ball as well. He really understands the game. He's always in the right position and he doesn't just stay in the middle of the pitch.
"In possession he goes forward or wide and creates overloads. His relationship with Phil Foden has been important. They play off each other and have the same bravery to take the ball. They understand each other's movements - when Phil drops in, Kobbie will run off him and go forward.
"I just have a feeling about Mainoo and the final. That he is going to score and prove decisive. If you think of him in the tournament, he has got into good positions going forward and I think Spain will do their homework and close off space for Harry Kane, Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
"But that will leave space for a midfielder arriving late, and Mainoo will get one from a cut-back."
This belief was backed up by former United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has called Mainoo an 'incredible player'.
He said, via BBC Sport: "Kobbie is already an incredible player. When this tournament is over, hopefully he will have helped England become champions of Europe."
Mainoo enjoyed a fruitful start to life at United, making 32 appearances during the 2023/24 season and registering five goals before being selected for Gareth Southgate's Euro squad.
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