Wayne Rooney exclusive: Manchester United legend draws comparisons between Kobbie Mainoo and Bastian Schweinsteiger

Wayne Rooney heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo and compared the Manchester United midfielder to a "young Bastian Schweinsteiger."

Mainoo made his 22nd appearance of the season across all competitions against Everton at Old Trafford – a game live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

The 18-year-old has produced a series of stellar displays for Erik ten Hag’s side, and has scored twice for the team this season.

He netted a stunning winner in a dramatic 4-3 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and also scored in a 4-2 victory over Newport County in the FA Cup.

“I think he's incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he's shown,” Rooney told TNT Sports.

Rooney continued: “When you see any young players come into the first team they're normally a bit raw or play off the cuff.

“He reminds me of a young Bastian Schweinsteiger with how he plays, and he always seems to make the right decisions.

“He has a very bright future.”

Rio Ferdinand was in agreement with Rooney and says that Mainoo’s level-headedness singles him out amongst other young players.

“I enjoy watching him,” Ferdinand said. “Our eyes are always looking out for that next young player, and it's that calmness and assuredness he has which is beyond his years.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.