The latest news from Yahoo Sports says that Wayne Rooney, who has played for Manchester United and England, has boldly predicted that England's rising star, Menu, who is just 19 years old, will make his mark in this Sunday's UEFA Europa League final and help England win their first men's national team trophy since 1966.
In Berlin, England are keen to break their multi-year title drought and Menu, a product of the Manchester United youth academy, is almost certain to take his place in Southgate's squad for the final. The teenage hero has started all the way from the 1/8 finals onwards, and his stellar performances in the quarter-finals and semi-finals helped England beat Switzerland and the Netherlands to become the Orange's nemesis. On the field he is incredibly powerful and has a great understanding with teammate Foden.
Menu's desire to score his first goal for the national team has not waned, however, he has shown an ability to score in key matches, such as in Manchester United's FA Cup final last season, where he helped beat Manchester City. Rooney revealed in an interview with The Times that Menu will also feature against Spain at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
Rooney said of Maynu: "He played a key role in this game. He has excellent ball control skills and can maneuver in the small space of the opponent's half. He's brave and determined, and can step up to the plate at key moments. As he proved against the Netherlands in the semi-final, he is not just a ball handler, but can perform other important tasks as well. Against the Dutch, he managed to stop a number of counter-attacks, while finding the right place in time to pass the ball when England counter-attacked."
Rooney elaborated further, "Menu has an in-depth understanding of the game and is always in the right place, not just standing in the middle of the pitch. In possession, he is able to pass the ball forward as well as skillfully distributing it to his teammates. His partnership with Foden is crucial. They support each other, are brave with the ball and understand each other's runs well. I think there is a special feeling with Menu and the final: he will score goals and prove his key role in the game."
Speaking about the source of this hunch, Rooney added: "Looking back at Menu's performances in the Euros, we can see that he has come into an excellent shape. I think Spain will do their best to limit the space in which Kane, Foden, Saka and Bellingham can move, but that leaves the door open for the midfielders inserted in the back row. Maynu will capitalize on this opportunity to bring England victory."
