Wayne Rooney compares emerging Man Utd star Kobbie Mainoo to World Cup-winning Germany legend as he hails 18-year-old's maturity

Rooney, 38, has likened Mainoo to former Bayern Munich and United star Bastian Schweinsteiger in terms of his playing style. He went on to highlight the 18-year-old's decision-making and maturity as one of the main reasons why he has compared him to the 2014 World Cup winner - who he played with at Old Trafford from 2015 to 2017.

“I think he's incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he's shown,” Rooney said to TNT Sports. “When you see any young players come into the first team they're normally a bit raw or play off the cuff.

“He reminds me of a young Bastian Schweinsteiger with how he plays, and he always seems to make the right decisions. He has a very bright future.”

Mainoo has enjoyed a breakout season at the Red Devils and has started all 14 of his Premier League appearances throughout the 2023-24 campaign. He regularly displays maturity beyond his years and has since been rewarded with his maiden call up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate.

The young midfielder has been training with his new Three Lions teammates during the week and could be in line to make his international debut on Saturday, as England prepare to face Brazil at Wembley Stadium. If he does not feature on this occasion, Mainoo will get another chance at game time on Tuesday - as England host Belgium in their second friendly of the break.