Rio Ferdinand wants Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Manchester United this summer
The 2023-24 season for Manchester United was like a dream for Kobbie Mainoo. His winning goal in the FA Cup final and playing in the starting eleven for England in the Euro 2024 final brought him straight into the limelight. But the story seems to have changed at the start of the 2025/26 season.
Ruben Amorim did not give him a place in the playing XI in the first two matches of the Premier League. In contrast, he got a chance to play the full 90 minutes against Grimsby in the EFL Cup, but lost the match on penalties. This inequality has made Mainoo restless, and he is thinking of going on loan to play more, but the club have rejected it for now.
Rio Ferdinand’s appeal and Mainoo’s journey
Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has given his opinion on this whole matter. He clearly said that Mainoo should not think of leaving United under any circumstances. According to Ferdinand via a video on X (h/t Manchester Evening News), Mainoo’s journey has just begun, and he has to show patience. He reminded that after playing the final for England, it was difficult to even imagine that the 20-year-old would not get a place in the starting eleven of United. Still, Ferdinand believes that such challenges come in front of every big player, and the youngster should accept them and move forward.
Rio Ferdinand wants Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Manchester United this summer.
Rio Ferdinand has urged Kobbie Mainoo to stay put and fight for his place at Manchester United
Mainoo’s journey to United has been special. Coming out of the academy, he proved himself as a reliable midfielder. That goal in the FA Cup final was not just a trophy-winning moment, but a statement that he can stand up on big occasions. The English midfielder’s performance in Euro 2024 was proof that he is ready for the international level as well. But now that he is getting limited opportunities in the early season, his patience and dedication are being tested. Ferdinand’s message was that Mainoo should wait for his chance and prove himself stronger in the United jersey. Meanwhile, Shambolic Manchester United star singled out following Carabao Cup horror show.
Rio Ferdinand on Kobbie Mainoo leaving:
“David Ornstein was saying that Kobbie Mainoo is open to leaving, which is… I don’t want to hear that. Kobbie, if you’re watching, if you’re hearing, [or] people that are next to him…”
Rio Ferdinand urging Mainoo to stay:
“Don’t let me hear that. Please man. I need you stay at the club, be patient.”
Rio Ferdinand on Mainoo’s situation:
“Please. I know it’s difficult and it’s easy for me to say. I want to see you here.”
Rio Ferdinand reflecting on Mainoo’s recent rise:
“If we were sitting here going; ‘Do you know what? After his exploits with England that Kobbie Mainoo can’t get into the Man Utd team and they’re thinking about selling him – and he wants to go’.”
Rio Ferdinand’s disbelief:
“I wouldn’t have been able to… You couldn’t have bet me any money that’d be happening right now, and not this soon after his exploits with England, and how good he was, and how much we were all waxing lyrical about him.”
Why Mainoo and United’s relationship should continue
Now the question is why United should give Mainoo a new contract at all costs and assure him. The reason is clear: he could be the key to the club’s future. He is only 20 years old, and losing such a player would be a long-term mistake. Amorim needs to give him regular opportunities in the league so that his confidence remains.
Mainoo offers composure, vision, and ball progression in midfield. Ruben Amorim can use him as a deep-lying playmaker, linking defence to attack, or as a dynamic box-to-box option, adding balance, creativity, and energy to Manchester United’s system.
The Englishman also needs to understand that leaving Old Trafford is not the right decision now. This club gives him a big platform; he has made his mark here, and that is his strength. If the 20-year-old stays patient and gets through this phase, he could be a cornerstone for United in the years to come. The club need to confirm his contract and show him constant faith. Only then will he stay and write the story every United fan is hoping for.