Paul Scholes has called out a former Manchester United teammate for telling Kobbie Mainoo to ’emulate’ Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and not the Class of 92 legend.

Under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has had a breakout season. In Saturday’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, he was named Player of the Match.

In addition to scoring United’s second goal, the 19-year-old played quite flawlessly in the middle of the park. And Paul Scholes was among the many who hailed the display.

In fact, Scholes described Mainoo as being “ten times the player” he was at 19.

“Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week,” he said. “Don’t waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19. Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what’s around him and, of course, the big goals in big games.”

Scholes went on to describe the teenager as a “special” talent – something that later reciprocated by another former Manchester United player.

Speaking in his Daily Mail column, former United States international Tim Howard praised Mainoo’s intelligence and maturity after such an impressive debut campaign.

Then, after saying he will be a “key cog” in United’s midfield for years to come, he discussed the comparisons with Scholes.

Howard agreed that it was high praise, lauding Scholes’ decision-making on the pitch.

But the former goalkeeper believes Mainoo should be looking to emulate another player – Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice.

“Mainoo is a product of the United academy, too. He has a similar stature. He’s young. So it is an interesting comparison. But I don’t necessarily see it,” Howard said.

“For me, there is another midfielder that Kobbie should look to for a blueprint on how to develop his game: Declan Rice.

“He’s had a breakout season at Arsenal because he’s now been freed up to explore what it’s like in the other penalty area. Kobe has the ability to do that, too.”

“Now it is up to his managers: can they allow him to do what he’s great at – breaking things up, using his energy – but then also encourage him to get further forward.”

Howard added: “I wouldn’t be afraid to give him more licence and to expect more from him – in a United shirt and in an England shirt. Could he be an asset for Gareth Southgate at this summer’s Euros? Sure. This could be a good chance for him to get on that stage.

“Is the expectation that he plays the full 90 minutes every game? Probably not. But is there a way that you can trust him in the middle of the park to solidify things, to allow Rice and Jude Bellingham to charge forward? That may be a revelation for England. Certainly, if I see him in an England shirt this summer, would I be worried? No, I’d be excited.”

Scholes has since responded to Howard’s claims on Instagram, saying: “Talking [poop emoji] Timothy… night!”