Wayne Rooney praises ‘standout’ Man United star in FA Cup final win, he’s the ‘real deal’

Wayne Rooney has praised one “standout” performer for Manchester United as they won the 2024 FA Cup.

Manchester United won 2-1 against Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley to secure the trophy for the first time since 2016 under Louis van Gaal.

The Reds opened the scoring through Alejandro Garnacho, who capitalised on miscommunication between the City backline to score into an empty net.

Kobbie Mainoo added to United’s lead before half-time after he finished off a wonderful United move. Bruno Fernandes provided a sublime assist for the Academy graduate.

Jérémy Doku’s late goal for Pep Guardiola’s side applied pressure in the closing stages, but United were able to battle through and win the cup.

At half-time, club legend Wayne Rooney was particularly impressed with Mainoo, who played the first cup final of his career.

The 19-year-old did not only score the goal the ended up being the difference on the day, but he also produced a mature performance that earned him the Man of the Match.

“Mainoo, Kobbie Mainoo”, Rooney began when speaking on punditry duty on BBC.

“Take the goal out of it, the composure he showed on the ball in such a big game, for such a young lad, is incredible and his performance, first-half, has been the standout performance.”

“100%. Absolutely. He is not a prospect anymore. He is already the real deal for me.”