Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho following the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
The Red Devils registered an outstanding victory over their arch-rivals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Garnacho scored the opening goal of the final in the 30th minute after capitalising on a defensive mishap between left-back Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Mainoo made it 2-0 in United’s favour. The 18-year-old made a superb late run into the box. Bruno Fernandes put the ball on the plate for him to beat Ortega from close range.
Aside from their goals, Garnacho and Mainoo worked hard defensively when required. The young duo showed a terrific work rate over the course of the Manchester derby.
Speaking after the game, Rooney said that the teenage pair have been the stand out players for United this season and he is really pleased for them to be the matchwinners.
He said via BBC Sport: “To come into the middle of the pitch and dominate the way Kobbie Mainoo has done for large portions of this season and to perform the way he did against this Manchester City team.”
“Them two [Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho] have been the stand out players for Manchester United this season. For them to be the matchwinners is great, I’m really pleased for them.”
United had a disappointing league season with only 60 points secured. However, they have made up for the same by winning the FA Cup versus their fierce rivals against the odds.
The victory has also guaranteed their place in the Europa League group stage next term. Meanwhile, Mainoo and Garnacho have become mainstays during the 2023/24 season.
Mainoo has been exceptional in the centre of the park since his breakthrough in late 2023. Garnacho has also made regular goal contributions. He started his 38th consecutive game for United on Saturday.
Aside from the duo, Rasmus Hojlund has also been influential over the campaign. The future looks bright for the Red Devils with several emerging stars with huge potential within their ranks.
