Ferdinand: Mainoo should leave MU; He is wasting his career right now

  /  MTWANG

Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand recently updated his personal podcast, in which he expressed deep concern about the situation of Red Devils fringe player Kobbie Mainoo, stating bluntly that if the young midfielder continues to stay at Manchester United, he will undoubtedly be wasting his career. 

Ferdinand publicly called on Mainoo to seize the opportunity of the January transfer window and decisively leave Old Trafford to find a new club that can guarantee him playing time.

After an astonishing breakthrough season and playing a crucial role in England's run to the 2024 European Championship final, this talented midfielder originally seemed destined for a long and successful career at Old Trafford. 

However, Erik ten Hag's departure and the decision to replace him with Ruben Amorim have had a catastrophic impact on Meenu's first-team opportunities. The change in formation has done little to help his situation, and despite Manchester United's inconsistent form, the 20-year-old player seems to have little hope of forcing his way back into Amorim's plans with few opportunities.

Amorin looked rather frustrated at the pre-match press conference before last Friday's game against Wolves, when he was accused of lacking trust in the club's young players, especially Mainoo. Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, former teammates of Ferdinand, both encouraged Mainoo to seek new challenges next month, while Ferdinand believes that the player, who has only made 11 appearances this season, has little choice but to reluctantly leave the club he has played for since childhood.

"Did you hear the fans' reaction when Mainoo came on?" Ferdinand asked his guest on his YouTube channel. "That was massive support."

"I saw Nicky Butt and Scholes talking about this on their podcast, and I completely agree with their views. If I were in Mainoo's shoes, I would choose to leave, and I must do so." 

"He once played for the England team and was one of the best players in that tournament. Not many people can say they've achieved this. He did, but now he has wasted 18 months of his career at Manchester United." 

"He may have stayed for an extra six months, exceeding the time he was supposed to stay. He should have left long ago, and I think his agent, and more importantly, his family around him, must protect him." 

Mainoo was close to leaving the club this summer, and it was reported that Manchester United was open to a bid of around £45 million at the time. Chelsea had shown clear interest but ultimately turned to pursue another Manchester United outcast, Alejandro Garnacho; while Napoli (who had rejuvenated Scott McTominay) had also been willing to offer an exit route.

"He might say, 'I love Manchester United so much that I don't want to leave. I want to stay and fight for opportunities,'" Ferdinand added. 

"But by next summer, it will be two years, and you can't just let two years slip away in your career. A career is short, and you must make the decision that is most beneficial to yourself."

Ferdinand, analyzing from Mainoo's perspective, said, "If I were him, I would clearly recognize that the head coach won't give me playing time now, and most likely won't in the future either. In so many previous games, he has never chosen to use me, so naturally he won't suddenly change his mind now. It's better to be honest, admit that I'm no longer in the team's plans, and quickly help me find a new club so that I can leave here."

Related: Chelsea Manchester United Napoli Rio Ferdinand Paul Scholes Nicky Butt McTominay Garnacho Mainoo
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