This is the type of players Manchester United needs to sign to bring out the best in Mainoo jn that Midfield. Put this players in the midfield and watch Mainoo play. He has everything to become a world class player if he plays with them”-Wayne Rooney advises advices Erik ten Hag to get players that will help Kobbie Mainoo next season.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has highlighted a key difference between himself and Kobbie Mainoo. Rooney joined United at 18 and quickly became a household name at Old Trafford, eventually becoming the club’s record goalscorer.
Mainoo, while also making a significant impact early in his career, is doing so within a much weaker squad. Despite United’s struggles, the midfielder performed well in their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, playing alongside Sofyan Amrabat in midfield, though Leandro Trossard scored the only goal of the match.
Before the game, Rooney expressed concerns about United’s heavy reliance on the 19-year-old this season. He pointed out that, unlike Mainoo, he had the advantage of being surrounded by experienced players who guided him through his early mistakes.
“I had all these senior players around me who, you know, I made a lot of mistakes when I was young. But I got a lot of help from my teammates,” Rooney told Sky Sports. “With Mainoo at the minute, he’s having to be the main player at times, which is too much for him. And what we’re going to see, which is natural, is performance will drop, his confidence will drop, and he needs a bit of protection, and I don’t think he’s getting that at the minute.” It’s interesting to see Rooney comparing his own experience at United with Mainoo’s current situation. Having experienced guidance from senior players likely played a significant role in Rooney’s development. Mainoo, on the other hand, seems to be facing greater pressure due to the team’s reliance on him despite his young age.