Michael Owen set off a public debate after a social media outburst in which he offered a detailed statistical comparison of himself and Wayne Rooney from the early stages of their careers. According to the original exchange, Owen listed his achievements and rejected suggestions that Rooney was the superior youngster, framing the discussion in numbers and milestones.

Rooney chose a measured response, addressing the issue on The Wayne Rooney Show and refusing to escalate the exchange. He said: “Michael and I are very different players,” he said on The Wayne Rooney Show . “I used to go out on the street and pretend to be Michael Owen—even though he played for Liverpool.

“I think his comments are fair. Of course, he’s going to back himself. I’d back myself. But, I’d never judge myself against Michael Owen because he’s someone I actually looked up to and had the pleasure of playing alongside.”

The episode underlines two truths about the pair that featured heavily in the original discussion. Owen emerged as a spectacular young goalscorer, making an immediate impact and collecting high-profile recognition early in his career. He was the second-youngest Ballon d’Or winner ever in 2001, a fact often cited when comparing the two forwards at similar ages.

Rooney’s reply steered away from recrimination and towards perspective. The piece at hand notes that while Owen was certainly the more gifted finisher in his breakthrough years, Rooney’s career is distinguished by longevity and technical quality. That combination is presented as the basis for judging Rooney’s overall standing in football rather than focusing solely on early statistical advantage.

The exchange is notable for its frankness and for Rooney’s diplomatic tone in reply. It leaves the comparison framed both by Owen’s early brilliance and by Rooney’s sustained contribution over the course of his career.

“He’s so relaxed, the game’s so easy to him. It’s almost like poetry in motion.” Those words capture the early promise that accompanied Kobbie Mainoo as he forced his way into Manchester United’s first team during 2023–24. His breakout campaign ended with a defining moment: the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Mainoo’s rise was rapid. After three appearances in 2022–23 he made 32 in 2023–24, logging 2,389 minutes and contributing to six goal involvements. His performances earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad and a start in the final against Spain. Expectations were high, but the following season did not follow the same script.

In 2024–25 Mainoo featured 36 times, starting 23 matches and totalling 2,031 minutes with three goal contributions. The arrival of Ruben Amorim and his preferred 3-4-2-1 shaped squad selection. Amorim’s two-man midfield has reduced opportunities for a natural free-roaming No.8. Casemiro has provided the defensive backbone, while a more creative role looks set to be occupied by Bruno Fernandes, limiting Mainoo’s pathway into the team.

Injuries have also interrupted continuity. Mainoo missed the start of 2023–24 with an ankle problem and suffered two further setbacks last term, missing 17 matches in total and three months across two spells. Those absences made it difficult to build momentum and allowed others to move ahead in the pecking order. He was given just four starts between April and the season end and was used only in stoppage time during the Europa League final as United chased an equaliser, with Amorim turning to Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho ahead of him.

“He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people,” enthused Scholes in the aforementioned interview. “The sky’s the limit for this lad if he keeps his head down. And he looks like the type who will stay on an even keel.”

Mainoo sought a loan move to secure regular minutes but the transfer was blocked. With the 2025–26 season under way he has made two appearances so far, and consistent starts and fitness will be decisive if his development is to resume.

Napoli could revive their loan interest in Kobbie Mainoo in the January window, a report has suggested. The Serie A club were one of several sides linked with a move for the Manchester United midfielder in the final hours of the transfer window.

ESPN say the England international’s temporary stay in Naples was “mapped out” but United rejected the offer. That account adds that Napoli might “resurrect” their interest in January provided Manchester United can identify a suitable replacement.

Amorim publicly rebuffed that approach, insisting that he valued the midfielder. Despite that reassurance, Mainoo has not made a single Premier League start this season, a situation that has reportedly left the 20-year-old keen to push for a move in the summer.

The Red Devils are already expected to look for a new midfielder in 2026. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba is presented in reports as an ideal candidate, although United are said to be prepared to sign a more affordable short-term option in January if the Seagulls resist losing their player mid-season.

Mainoo’s dissatisfaction at Old Trafford is said to stem not only from limited game time but also from his contract situation. The academy graduate signed a deal in January 2023 that runs until 2027, with a club option for a further year. “At that point, Mainoo was just 17 and had not yet made a single senior appearance.”

For Manchester United, any January movement would depend on recruitment options and the willingness to sanction a temporary exit for a young midfielder who has attracted interest since the close of the last window.