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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to take a cue from teammate Casemiro amid his struggles at the club. He advised the 20-year-old to remain humble and hardworking, just like the Brazilian did during a difficult period under manager Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo have struggled to get regular playing time under Amorim this season. The Englishman has enjoyed just 228 minutes of action in eight appearances across competitions. He is yet to start a league game this term, with his only full appearance coming in the side's EFL Cup loss to Grimsby Town in August.
Mainoo made another cameo appearance in United's recent 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, replacing Casemiro in the 70th minute. However, his substitution appeared to weaken his side, as they conceded two goals afterwards.
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The Manchester United academy graduate who broke into the first team three seasons ago has been unhappy with his lack of game time, and reportedly requested a loan move during the summer transfer window. However, United reportedly declined his request, forcing him to stay put and fight for his place in Amorim's setup.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Present podcast, Ferdinand addressed Mainoo's predicament at the club and advised the youngster to follow in the footsteps of Casemiro.
The former Real Madrid man fell out of favour with the manager last term and was highly linked with an exit from Old Trafford in the summer. However, he remained focused and worked hard to impress and regain his place in the starting XI.
“Watch and learn. There was a player being told he’s not good enough for Manchester United, exactly what Mainoo’s been through. I think character-wise, personality-wise, there’s a lot to learn from Casemiro. Yes there’s football-wise too but they are very different players," Ferdinand said (via United In Focus).
“You’ve got Casemiro, a man in form and Bruno the most exciting player we’ve got, it’s going to be hard for Kobbie to get in here right now," he added.
Kobbie Mainoo got his first team breakthrough during the 2022-23 season under former manager Erik ten Hag. He has since made 80 appearances for the Red Devils, contributing seven goals and three assists.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim comments on Casemiro's resurgence
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is proud of Casemiro's resurgence and labeled the 33-year-old as an exemplary figure at the club. The Brazilian was close to leaving the club at some point after falling out of favour with the manager, but has turned his fortunes around.
Speaking after his side's 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last Saturday, Amorim revealed that Casemiro was previously behind every midfielder at the club. He praised the Brazilian for exhibiting grit and resilience to win back his spot at the club and in the national team.
He said (via United In Focus):
“He’s an example for everyone. In the beginning, he was behind every midfielder, even Toby (Collyer). But he fought and he worked and now he’s back in the national team.”
Casemiro's impressive comeback comes at a time when Manchester United are also enjoying a turnaround in results. The Red Devils have won three consecutive league games for the first time under the Portuguese manager.
