Kobbie Mainoo proved to the world what a superstar he is: Rio Ferdinand | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has hailed Kobbie Mainoo following his Manchester derby heroics over the weekend. The Red Devils faced their bitter rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday, 17 January, in the Premier League following a turbulent past couple of weeks.

The English giants finished last campaign 15th in the league, which was their lowest position since the inception of the Premier League. Former head coach Ruben Amorim initially kept his job, but a string of unconvincing results saw him dismissed at the beginning of this year.

Michael Carrick took charge last week as caretaker manager until the end of this season. In his first game in charge against Manchester City over the weekend, he handed Mainoo his first league start of the season. The youngster did not disappoint, showing why he is so highly rated at Carrington and helping United secure a stunning 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s side.

Mainoo’s struggles under Amorim

Mainoo rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and broke into the first team under former manager Erik ten Hag. The Englishman famously starred in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, scoring in the 2-1 win over City, and also started in the Euro 2024 final that England lost to Spain.

However, things went downhill for Mainoo following Ten Hag’s departure from United in October 2024, and the subsequent arrival of Amorim. While the youngster was in and out of the team for the rest of that campaign, he completely fell out of favour under the Portuguese head coach at the start of this season.

Mainoo registered just one start this campaign under Amorim, which was the defeat to League Two minnows Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup second-round tie.

Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The 20 year old’s future was subject to speculation this month as well, especially since the Red Devils remain linked with midfield reinforcements. However, Carrick’s arrival has brought stability to the Theatre of Dreams, and a recent report suggests that Mainoo is no longer looking to leave the club at the moment. The young midfielder’s performance over the weekend has now earned him praise from Ferdinand.

Kobbie’s convincing derby performance

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Ferdinand said: “One thing to come out this weekend, Kobbie Mainoo told the world ‘I can play for Man United’. We need to appreciate the pressure on his young shoulders going into the Derby as a local lad. He has come in and put a performance like that. That tells you he is confident and he has got it.”

Starting alongside Casemiro in the pivot role against City, Mainoo was as effective with the ball as without it. Only Bruno Fernandes (81) applied more high presses than the Englishman (77), who also registered a 91% pass-completion rate.

The youngster attempted two long balls in the game, both of which were successful. He also registered three tackles, two clearances, and two interceptions. In Carrick, Mainoo has the perfect mentor to improve his game, and it is believed that the former midfielder has already taken the youngster under his wing.

Final Thoughts

United are entering a transition phase in midfield, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both on the wrong side of 30. The Brazilian will turn 34 next month and is out of contract in less than six months.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the Red Devils are confident of securing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba this summer to strengthen the midfield. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has also been mentioned as an option for the job. However, any addition should not come at the cost of Mainoo, who has all the qualities to become a mainstay in United’s midfield for the next decade.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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