‘That is what you need’: Rio Ferdinand details traits from United starlet that will aid his development even further

Kobbie Mainoo is quickly becoming one of the hottest prospects in world football, and Manchester United fans are counting their lucky stars that he’s one of their own.

The 18-year-old starlet made his 11th consecutive start in all competitions yesterday, taking to the field for the Reds’ first-ever trip to Kenilworth Road in the Premier League era.

As has been the case in each of his outings thus far, Mainoo excelled. 88 per cent passing accuracy, nine ball recoveries and six dribbles completed – the most of any United player in a match since Paul Pogba against Norwich City in April 2022.

He moves around the pitch like the ball is glued to his foot, and it’s clear as day why he’s keeping his senior counterparts Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat out of the starting 11. Even yesterday, he outperformed his midfield partner Casemiro across the first 45 minutes as the Brazilian was lunging into reckless challenges left, right and centre.

Ferdinand on Mainoo

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand gave a glistening verdict on United’s new starboy.

“It’s the calmness that stands out for me, it’s the decision-making and the calmness,” the former defender began.“I don’t think we should go overboard with him, but I think he is a very level-headed kid from what I hear and I have spoken to him a couple of times.

“He is very down to earth, surrounded by the right people. He is not going to be too high or too low, that good balance is what you need.”