Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have both raved about the impact of one “incredible” Manchester United star during the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
Manchester United signed off their 2023-24 season on Saturday with a sensational 2-1 win over Premier League champions Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag’s men had endured a turbulent season under the former Ajax boss, with the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League table.
United were considered the fierce underdogs going into the FA Cup final on the weekend, but the Red Devils defied the odds with a stunning performance.
Alejandro Garnacho fired Erik ten Hag’s side into a first-half lead at Wembley before Kobbie Mainoo doubled United’s advantage before half-time.
Ten Hag’s men endured an onslaught of pressure from City in the second half and United conceded in the 87th minute after Jeremy Doku found the back of the net.
Jeremy Doku’s long-range strike squeezed past Andre Onana at his near post, resulting in a nervy watch for Red Devils fans until the end of the match.
However, United prevented City from finding an all-important equaliser and the Red Devils sealed an emphatic 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s men at Wembley.
Shearer praises Man Utd star vs Man City
Kobbie Mainoo was a standout performer in the FA Cup final and the Manchester United midfielder produced a show-stealing performance at Wembley.
The 19-year-old England international had a remarkable breakout season under Erik ten Hag and established himself as a key midfield influence for the Red Devils.
Mainoo earned high praise for his performance against Manchester City, with the United star capping off a superb season at the Red Devils in style.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer was in awe at the experience that the Stockport-born player exhibited on the pitch at his age.
“When you consider he’s up against someone who we consider the best in the world, Rodri; Kevin De Bruyne, one of the best in the world; [Phil] Foden, one of the best in the world; [Mateo] Kovacic, his experience is like incredible […],” he said.
“So, he’s up against all of these players in the middle of midfield, and yet, he’s the one that shines – as a 19-year-old.”
Shearer continued: “As important as his goal was. As important as his passing was, as important as his tackling was, one of the most important things for me was when he went body-to-body with Erling Haaland from a corner, I think it was, and he stood his ground, and he was strong, and he didn’t allow Haaland [a chance].
“I just thought: ‘Yeah, I love that.’ That, for me, I thought, on top of all the other things, I’m giving you the Man of the Match just for that, as well as the rest.”
Lineker talks Man Utd star Mainoo
Gary Lineker, much like Shearer, was in awe at Mainoo’s season at Old Trafford and insisted that the Three Lions star has incredible potential in football.
The Rest Is Football co-host added that Mainoo reminds him of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham thanks to his “remarkable maturity” and his “confidence.”
“The sky is the limit, I think. I’m impressed with his remarkable maturity, his confidence,” Lineker said.
“I think he knows how good he is. He reminds me in that sense of Bellingham. I know that’s a big shout, but he’s two years younger.
“I think he’s remarkably talented, I think he will feature in the Euros – I don’t know where and when.
“Gareth was in the stands [at the FA Cup final] and everyone in the ground could see how good he was, how confident he was. You can see he’s got almost an aura about him, the right sort of confidence.”