Rio Ferdinand backs Kobbie Mainoo to clap back at critic after Liverpool heroics

Beyond his goal, Mainoo was sensational in the middle of the park.

He completed all the take-ons he embarked on, while also managing an impressive 89% pass accuracy. He touched the ball 68 times. The Carrington academy graduate also made an astonishing seven ball recoveries.

Speaking on Sky Sports before kick-off, Keane said that he was “not convinced yet” about Mainoo. The former United skipper further explained that Mainoo needs to do more than he has been doing in the past few weeks since Michael Carrick’s arrival.

According to Ferdinand, Mainoo has more than responded to Keane’s criticism, but he is equally entitled to ask where the Irishman was at a similar age.

Ferdinand’s claim

Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, “If Roy Keane asked questions of a young midfielder at the club, the young midfielder has got to answer. I get it, and he has today.”

“Kobbie Mainoo has answered.”

“He could even ask Roy, ‘Roy, where were you at my age? You were at Nottingham Forest, you weren’t at Old Trafford having to run things on your own.'”

“‘While Casemiro’s vacating and flying in like a number nine up there while I’m on my own.'”

United are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland. No doubt Carrick and his players will be keen to make it four victories in a row.

Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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