Wayne Rooney blown away by two Man Utd stars after FA Cup final win | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney praised Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho after the 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The Red Devils registered an outstanding victory over their arch-rivals at 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.

Garnacho and Mainoo worked hard defensively when required. The young duo showed excellent work rate during the Manchester derby to earn praise from Rooney.

He told 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 standout 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 it by winning the FA Cup against their fierce rivals.

The victory has also guaranteed their place in the Europa League group stage next term.

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.

Rasmus Hojlund has also been influential this season. The future looks bright for the Red Devils with several emerging stars with huge potential within their ranks.