Old Trafford is still buzzing after Manchester United’s 2-0 demolition of Tottenham, a result that marks a perfect four-for-four record for interim boss Michael Carrick. But while the cameras were fixed on Bryan Mbeumo’s clinical opener and Bruno Fernandes’ late dagger, United legend Rio Ferdinand has taken to the airwaves to vent his fury over the “criminal” lack of praise for the team’s heartbeat: Kobbie Mainoo.
As United cement their grip on the Top 4, Ferdinand argues that the 20-year-old “midfield gem” is the true architect of the Carrick revival, despite being overshadowed by the headlines of Cristian Romero’s red card.
“It’s Disgraceful!”
In a fiery post-match segment on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United captain didn’t hold back, calling out the media and fans for ignoring the player who “glued” the victory together.
“Almost an HOUR after Manchester United’s 2-0 demolition of Tottenham… and NO ONE is talking about HIM, Kobbie Mainoo?! It’s DISGRACEFUL! He’s offered United EVERY bit of stability alongside Casemiro. He went totally under the radar today, but he played a HUGE part in that victory. Without HIM, we’d have lost or drew. He’s the one controlling the tempo, breaking lines, and shielding that back four. He DESERVES his accolades NOW.”
THE “MVP” OF THE WIN STREAK:
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Why Mainoo is Unstoppable
Mainoo’s performance against Spurs was a masterclass in “composed aggression.” While Thomas Frank tried to cage United’s attack, Mainoo was the key that unlocked the door:
• The Tactical Pivot: Mainoo finished the game with a staggering 89% pass accuracy, acting as the bridge between Lisandro Martinez and the front three.
• The “Casemiro” Partnership: While Sir Alex Ferguson warned that Casemiro might be “sluggish,” Mainoo’s recovery pace and positioning allowed the Brazilian to focus on winning aerial duels and surviving the Romero “war.”
• The Silent Hero: Statistical data from the match shows Mainoo covered 11.8km—more than any other player on the pitch—effectively neutralizing Spurs’ midfield transitions before they even began.
FROM “SURPLUS” TO “SENSATIONAL”:
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The Great U-Turn
The irony of Ferdinand’s praise isn’t lost on the fans. Just two months ago, under Ruben Amorim, Rio was urging Mainoo to “leave Old Trafford” to save his career. Today, Mainoo is the first name on Carrick’s team sheet.
The “Carrick Effect” has seemingly unlocked a new level of maturity in Mainoo, moving him from a “luxury substitute” to the “stabilizing engine” of a team that looks capable of challenging for the title.
Is Kobbie Mainoo currently the best young midfielder in Europe? And with four wins on the bounce, can anyone stop Carrick’s “Silent Hero” and his resurgent Red Devils?
