Rooney praises Kobbie Mainoo as inspiration to United academy

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney sent a personal message to Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the midfielder’s World Cup debut, praising the 21-year-old as a role model for the club’s younger players, including his son Kai. Rooney, the Red Devils’ all-time record goalscorer, sent the note while working in North America as part of the tournament’s broadcast coverage.

Rooney’s message, delivered through BBC Sport and later shared by a visibly moved Mainoo, read: "Hi Kobbie, just a message to say good luck at the World Cup. Just be yourself and you’ll be a star there, mate. Also, how you have handled everything this season has been a lesson to all young football players, a great example to young and old players." He added: "And finally, you might not see, but having two lads in the United Academy, you should realise you are an inspiration to them and to the young lads there.

Keep doing what you are doing. Be yourself.

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