Pundit Rio Ferdinand has admitted that “there’s room for improvement” in one key area for a first-team Manchester United star under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have had a mixed start to the 2025-26 campaign, including suffering an early exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town.
The Red Devils were dumped out of the second round of the Carabao Cup ahead of the September break, with Grimsby Town defeating United 12-11 on penalties.
But Ruben Amorim and his men recovered from the major cup setback and United sealed a 3-2 win over Burnley at Old Trafford in the Premier League last month.
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Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand during the Champions League match between Atalanta and Arsenal at the Stadio di Bergamo in 2024 in Bergamo, Italy.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand is convinced about Kobbie Mainoo’s potential trajectory at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford
Kobbie Mainoo has currently lost his place in the Manchester United starting XI after Bruno Fernandes has been dropped into a deeper role alongside Casemiro.
Ruben Amorim has preferred the midfield pivot of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in his system, with Kobbie Mainoo’s first-team minutes being limited this season.
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Mainoo stunned United fans with his desire to leave Old Trafford on loan in the summer, but the Red Devils rejected the 20-year-old Stockport-born talent’s request.
Speaking to United We Stand, Rio Ferdinand believes that Mainoo could learn a lot by studying closely what former England teammate Frank Lampard did.
“This is a big season for Kobbie,” he told United We Stand magazine editor and founder Andy Mitten.
“I love Kobbie, he’s got all the attributes, all the talent. I think he can [play in Amorim’s system] because he’s that good with the ball.
“As long as he’s being coached and guided right and certain things are being demanded of him.
“There are certain things when you’re a player, you’ve got to look elsewhere, where can I find something from someone?
“He’d do well to talk to someone like Frank Lampard and that’s what I would do if I [were] working at the club. I’d be leaning on people that I know who I think could help certain people.”
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Rio Ferdinand makes a Frank Lampard point that shows where Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo can refine his playing style
United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is expected to fight for his place back in the starting XI under Amorim after his exit from Old Trafford was declined before deadline day.
Ferdinand has suggested that Chelsea legend Frank Lampard was able to improve himself by making sure that he committed himself to doing “extra sharp work.”
The 46-year-old United legend believes that Mainoo’s “only area” of improvement is similar to what former England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard focused on.
“Frank Lampard, as a kid, was never known to be quick or sharp,” Ferdinand continued.
“He used to come in with a pair of spikes most days and do extra sharp work around the training ground.”
The former United and England defender added: “He was never an explosive player, but no-one ever said that he wasn’t sharp in his career, but he made that.
“That’s the only area I look at with Kobbie where I go, there’s room for improvement.
“Well, there’s room for improvement everywhere, but there’s a big room for improvement in that area, that mobility.
“If he can nail that down, I think the world is his oyster and he can be someone we build around.”
Mainoo has only played twice for United in the 2025-26 campaign and his only start came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town at Blundell Park in August.