Manchester United could lose the club’s most exciting midfield talent in a generation, claims Rio Ferdinand.
One year ago Manchester United were basking in FA Cup Final success, with the goals scored by Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
The teenagers stepped up from the FA Youth Cup winning team in 2022, but along with the rest of the Manchester United XI, they have found 2024-25 tough-going, with the Red Devils ranking 16th in the Premier League.
The young duo have struggled with the adjustment under new head coach Ruben Amorim, with questions over whether they will start the Europa League Final.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Manchester United pair face uncertain futures
Uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho extends beyond just whether they start the Europa League Final.
There are questions over whether either player will be at Manchester United next season, amid the club’s PSR concerns.
The Mail reported back in January that Garnacho or Mainoo could be sold to raise funds, amid the financial incentives available to clubs for selling homegrown talent.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand believes one of the pair will go this summer, and while it has long been assumed Garnacho could be sacrificed, the former centre-back is not convinced.
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Ferdinand said of the dilemma for Ruben Amorim: “They need to give him a chance with his own players.
“I think Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo goes. I don’t know who. I think one of those homegrown players goes.
“I think they are going to be like ‘listen we need to go and get what suits this manager’ and give him a chance.”
Ferdinand concerned over Kobbie Mainoo
Rio Ferdinand explained that he was previously convinced Alejandro Garnacho would be sold, but he believes the Argentine has made good progress, and has seen less of Mainoo in recent weeks.
Ferdinand said: “The more I’m seeing the team, the more he [Garnacho] seems capable of learning, and playing.
“And the more I’m seeing the team play, the less I’m seeing Mainoo play. That’s a worry for me.”
Mainoo has struggled to hold down a spot under Amorim, playing 90 minutes just twice across his past 10 appearances.
The dilemma is at present Mainoo is not part of United’s best XI on form, experimented with in differing positions, and he could start the final on the bench.
The impending arrival of Matheus Cunha places questions over Garnacho’s future, and if it is him who leaves, Ferdinand believes a club will be landing a major deal.
He said: “Someone will get Garnacho for 40 or 50 mill, they’ve got a bargain. 10 years service and he’s going to get better.
“He’s doing ridiculously well now for a young kid, you look at his numbers.”
Garnacho has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions for United this season, his best output yet for the club.