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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mainoo receives England call-up</li><li>Rooney praises him</li><li>Compares him to World Cup winner</li></ul>

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

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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.

WHAT HAPPENED?

“I think he's incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he's shown,” Rooney said to <a href="https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/premier-league/2023-2024/wayne-rooney-exclusive-manchester-united-legend-draws-comparisons-between-kobbie-mainoo-and-bastian-_sto10054729/story.shtml" target="_blank">TNT Sports</a>. “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.”

WHAT ROONEY SAID

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 <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kobbie-mainoo-england-gareth-southgate-call-up-man-utd-teenage-midfielder-euro-2024/blt7518686014be80f2" target="_blank">England squad</a> by Gareth Southgate.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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.

WHAT NEXT FOR MAINOO?

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

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has compared youngster Kobbie Mainoo to a World Cup winner from Germany.

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