Kobbie Mainoo delivered an impressive performance in Manchester United’s win over Everton (AMA/Getty)
Rio Ferdinand believes Kobbie Mainoo has already shown enough to start ahead of Sofyan Amrabat for Manchester United.
Mainoo delivered an impressive performance in his first ever Premier League start on Sunday as United ran out 3-0 winners at Goodison Park.
Bruno Fernandes hailed Mainoo as United’s Man of the Match for his display, while Erik ten Hag described the 18-year-old’s performance in centre midfield as ‘mature’.
Amrabat replaced Mainoo in the second half at Goodison Park but Ferdinand feels the 18-year-old should continue to keep United’s summer loan signing out of the starting line-up.
‘I don’t know how they gave the Man of the Match [award] elsewhere,’ Ferdinand said on Vibe With Five.
’18 years old, especially centre midfield, very rarely do you see a composed performance like that.
Sofyan Amrabat replaced Kobbie Maino in the second half of Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Everton (Reuters)
‘Away from home it’s crash, bang, wallop at Everton at Goodison [Park] under the circumstances they went there.
‘The way he was dropping in between the centre-backs, not even getting it and bopping it one or two touch, he was getting it, taking touches, drifting by people or away from people, away from the challenge and the press, and then releasing it. That’s what these centre-backs and goalkeeper have been waiting for – someone who can alleviate that pressure and beat that press.
‘I thought about it the other day, 18-year-olds coming into the first team in the Premier League who gave performances like that… [Cesc] Fabregas? I’m not saying he [Mainoo] is as good as these guys, there have been more explosive but I’m talking about composure. This was a crazy performance.’
Asked if Mainoo now starts over Amrabat, Ferdinand replied: ‘At the moment, yeah.’
Ferdinand added: ‘Fundamentals, he [Mainoo] does the fundamentals well. But listen, it’s one game, let’s not go too overboard, we need to see this consistently.’
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‘This was a crazy performance.’