“Ten times the player I was at 19”: Paul Scholes heaps ultimate praise on Kobbie Mainoo after FA Cup heroics | OneFootball

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has lauded Kobbie Mainoo after his heroics for the club in the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday.

United beat the Premier League champions 2-1 at Wembley to lift the FA Cup.

First-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo were enough to secure the trophy for the Red Devils and end what has been a disappointing season on a relatively high note.

Mainoo’s goal in particular was a thing of beauty. A brilliant cross-ball from Marcus Rashford found its way to Garnacho, who then passed the ball to Bruno Fernandes inside the City box.

Fernandes produced a scintillating no-look assist for Mainoo, who opened up his body and expertly tucked the ball into the back of the net.

Even beyond the goal, Mainoo was brilliant and performed well against world-class opposition in the middle of the park.

The Carrington academy graduate completed the one dribble he embarked on, successfully delivered 21 of the 25 passes he attempted and registered 31 touches of the ball – very impressive considering United had 26% possession.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

Mainoo has been one of the few beacons of hope for United and the fans this season and as a result, has drawn comparisons to legends of the game such as Clarence Seedorf and even Scholes.

However, according to Scholes himself, Mainoo is much better than he was at the same age.

Scholes wrote on Instagram, “Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week…don’t waste your time.”

“Don’t waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19.”

Scholes added, “Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what’s around him and of course big goals in big games…this boy is special..and he’s a f—–g Red. Laters.”

It’s certainly big praise from Mainoo from one of the best to have ever done it.

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