More touches than any other player on the pitch. 85 percent successful passes. 1 chance created and shots on goal. 12 ball recoveries. These are some of the things Kobbie Mainoo returned from injury against Roma at Old Trafford. United legend Rio Ferdinand is in no doubt about the role the 21-year-old must have at Manchester United.
-I think you have to look at Kobbie Mainoo, Ferdinand begins on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
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“I look at him at the start of the game, he was a little bit everywhere, but the way he grew into it and the way he just got control again, especially in the second half, and took the ball under pressure, unaffected. I love his mentality. And that statistic: Manchester United haven’t lost a game that Kobbie Mainoo has started since September 13. And while he was out injured, they lost five games. So that tells you that he has an impact in this team,” Rio continues.
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“I think it’s the control he brings. Uh, that composure under pressure, taking the ball in all difficult areas in different phases of the pitch.” I think it’s important, but I think it’s important to keep Kobbie Mainoo fit, especially now that Baleba is out with a hamstring injury. God knows how long he’s out. You have to keep Kobbie Mainoo fit. You need him in this team. You have to make him a central element in this team, which is something we’ve been saying for a long time now. And the data tells you that he has a huge impact on this team if we’re going to do something to win some games.”
