'Don't waste your time' – Paul Scholes sets the record straight about bold Kobbie Mainoo claim

Kobbie Mainoo has earned comparisons to some big names following a meteoric rise to superstardom at Manchester United

Paul Scholes has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo following Manchester United's win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The 19-year-old midfielder fired the Red Devils to victory at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, marking the end of a brilliant breakthrough campaign.

Mainoo, who sees his contract at Old Trafford expire in 2027, featured 32 times for Manchester United across all competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing one assist. The teenage sensation played a crucial role in Erik ten Hag's side, often shielding a depleted backline.

He also featured in every round of the FA Cup for the Red Devils, starting all but one game – the fifth round against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Having quickly established himself as a mainstay in the starting lineup, Mainoo has earned comparisons to all-time greats who have preceded him, one of which being Scholes.

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Taking to Instagram after the FA Cup final, the Manchester United legend heaped praise on Mainoo, claiming that the youngster is far better than he was when he was the same age.

"Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week... don't waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19," wrote Scholes. "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 f*cking red [two red heart emojis]... laters [kiss emoji]..."

Nevertheless, speaking to reporters after the FA Cup final, Mainoo offered his verdict on Manchester United's win over their rivals. As quoted by BBC Sport, he said: "It has been a tough season with ups and downs.

"This is the only thing we have had to look forward to. We knew we had to come together. The preparation for this game has been amazing [and] we have shown we can compete and win games."

Unlike Mainoo, who received plaudits for his display, Ten Hag was grilled. When quizzed on his future at Old Trafford, the Dutchman remained defiant and said: "I'm in a project and we are exactly where we want to be. We're constructing a team.

"When I took over, it was a mess at United. We are on our way to construct a team for the future. We'll go with the ups and downs. What you see is the team is developing, the team is winning, at the end of the day it is about winning trophies."

Ten Hag, who faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, added: "Two trophies in two years is not bad. Three finals is not bad, but we have to keep going. I'm not satisfied with it. We have to do better. If they don't want me anymore, I go anywhere else to win trophies because that is what I did my whole career."

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