Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has predicted that youngster Maynu will crown himself and England by scoring in Sunday's Europa League final against Spain, according to Yahoo Sports.
In Berlin, where England are hoping to win their first men's adult national team trophy since 1966, Manchester United youngster Maynu will almost certainly take his place in Southgate's starting XI for the final. The 19-year-old has not returned to the bench since starting in the 1/8 finals, before starting in the quarter-finals against Switzerland and the semi-finals against the Netherlands. Menu was undoubtedly one of England's best players against the Orange. On the pitch, he is a force to be reckoned with and seems to have developed a good working relationship with Foden.
Menu is still looking forward to scoring his first goal for the national team, but has experience of scoring in important matches, such as Manchester United's win over Manchester City in last season's FA Cup final. Rooney said in an interview with The Times that Menu will also play against Spain at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
Rooney said, "Menu plays a big role. He can control the ball; he can keep the ball in a tight space in the opposition's half. He's also brave. He can go forward at the right time, but more importantly, as he proved to Holland in the semi-final, he has the ability to do other important jobs outside of possession. Against Holland he stopped four or five counter-attacks (by the opposition) and when they (England) counter-attacked he could also be in the right position to get the ball out."
"He really understands the game. He can always be in the right position, not just stay in the middle of the pitch. In possession, he can send the ball forward or separate it to give his teammates a chance. His partnership with Foden is very important. They connect with each other and have the same courage to hold the ball. They understand each other's runs - when Foden cuts in, Menu runs away and keeps going. I just think there was a feeling with Menu and the final:he would score and prove he played a decisive role."
Speaking about why he has this hunch, Rooney added: "If you recall his performances at the Euros, you can see that he's got into a good groove. I think Spain will do enough homework to lock down any space for Kane, Foden, Saka and Bellingham to move into, but that will leave room for a back-row insertion in the midfield, and Maynu will take advantage of that."
