Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo has now been urged to seek a fresh start when the January transfer window opens.
Mainoo has yet to start a single Premier League match this season, with manager Ruben Amorim firmly believing he has stronger midfield options at his disposal.
United legend Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the situation, advising the 20-year-old to walk away from Old Trafford for the sake of his career.
He said on his YouTube podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents: “If I think about it, I put myself in Kobbie Mainoo’s shoes, I’m out of there, I have to go, he was playing for England, but he’s wasted 18 months of his career now at Manchester United.
“I think he’s been there six months longer than he should have been; he should have gone.
“If I was him, the manager isn’t going to start playing me now, he’s not played me all these matches, he won’t play me now, so let’s be honest with each other, I’m surplus to requirements, so get me out of here.”
Kobbie Mainoo looks poised to leave
The United academy jewel has logged just 183 minutes across 10 Premier League appearances this season.
It is a shocking tally for a player of his potential.
Reducing Mainoo to a bit-part role feels like an insult not only to him, but to the standards that define the United academy.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have been the preferred midfield pair for Amorim this season.
Not only Mainoo but Manuel Ugarte has also failed to earn regular playing time.
United may not allow Mainoo to leave the club until late January/early February.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are all set to represent their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which runs until 18 January 2026.
With squad depth already thin, Amorim is unlikely to green-light any major outgoing unless absolutely necessary.
Stats from Fotmob.com