Mainoo reveals advice from Man Utd legend on how to be a'star' at World Cup

Kobbie Mainoo says what advice Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has given him to be a "star" at the World Cup.

Rooney got in touch with Mainoo with a heartfelt message ahead of the midfielder's World Cup debut for England against Croatia.

He said that Mainoo "just be yourself" as he wished him good luck for the tournament.

The Red Devils' all-time record goalscorer hailed the 21-year-old as a role model for the United Academy - including his son, Kai.

Mainoo's story has been inspirational for the youth players as he kept battling with little opportunity under Ruben Amorim and was then allowed to flourish when Michael Carrick took charge.

After receiving the note, Mainoo shared the contents of the message via BBC Sport.

"Hi Kobbie, just a message to say good luck at the World Cup," wrote Rooney.

"Just be yourself and you’ll be a star there, mate. Also, how you have handled everything this season has been a lesson to all young football players, a great example to young and old players."

And Rooney told of the importance of Mainoo's progress to his own children with Kai having played for U18s during the last season.

He continued: "And finally, you might not see, but having two lads in the United Academy, you should realise you are an inspiration to them and to the young lads there.

"Keep doing what you are doing. Be yourself. Much love, Wazza."

While Mainoo has shown his gratitude over the past few months for Carrick for putting him back in the United team.

"I mean, obviously there were difficult times but I tried to keep my focus on what was in front of me, take things day by day and just keep working my craft, keep working hard for the team, and I hoped the rest would come. Thankfully it has," Mainoo said.

And he pinpointed Carrick saying it was thanks to him he is now in the World Cup squad.

"Definitely, and I told him that I was very grateful. Because if he hadn't put me on the pitch, then I wouldn't have been here so, I'm always grateful to him for that," he said.

On Carrick's appointment, he continued: "We were very happy with it, obviously, I love the way he coaches and manages me personally in the team as well.

"I think everyone in the squad can agree with that. When he officially got the job, we were all so happy."

The youngster believes England can win the World Cup. "One hundred per cent,” he said. “I feel like everyone in the squad, staff, everyone believes we can win it.

"But that doesn’t come easy. It’s very special, something I’ve dreamed of, and I’m sure all the players have dreamed of since they were really young.

“So to be here and say that I’m playing in a World Cup is unbelievable. I’ve always wanted to play in a World Cup for all my life.

"It’s the biggest tournament in the world, so it’s definitely different from the Euros, but we will try and approach it in the same way with the goal that we want to win.”