- Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has received a good luck message from Wayne Rooney ahead of England’s first World Cup game against Croatia on Wednesday.
- Mainoo read the message out during an interview with the BBC as Rooney hailed him as “an inspiration” for young players after coming through a turbulent time at United to book his place at the World Cup.
- Mainoo was consistently overlooked by former United boss Ruben Amorim in the first half of the season before forcing his way into the team’s starting XI under Michael Carrick.
- Rooney urged Mainoo to “be yourself and you’ll be a star” before signing off the message: “Much love, Wazza”, with Mainoo hailing the message as “special”.
- Mainoo is expected to start on the bench for England’s clash with Croatia, but could force his way into the starting line-up as the tournament progresses, just like he did at Euro 2024.
