Rio Ferdinand Backs Bruno Fernandes Over Kobbie Mainoo in Midfield Battle, Calls Debate ‘Near Impossible’
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on manager Ruben Amorim’s comments, insisting Bruno Fernandes’ role as team talisman makes it almost impossible for Kobbie Mainoo to displace him.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has spoken out after new manager Ruben Amorim suggested Kobbie Mainoo could be competing with Bruno Fernandes for a starting role in midfield.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand dismissed the idea, calling it a “losing battle” for Mainoo.
🗣️ “He’s fighting a losing battle, isn’t he? Because Bruno has been the talisman for this team for the last three or four years. How is he going to displace someone like him in that position? It’s going to be near impossible,” Ferdinand said.
The discussion comes after Amorim hinted that Mainoo could feature in a more advanced role, potentially overlapping with Fernandes. However, Ferdinand suggested the comparison highlighted deeper tactical issues at United.
“There’s just so much fundamentally wrong if Kobbie is fighting for the spot with a makeshift No. 6 in Bruno,” Ferdinand added. “That can’t happen. Hopefully he plays plenty from here on until the end of the season.”
Mainoo, 19, has been one of United’s brightest talents this season, impressing fans and pundits with his maturity, composure, and intelligence on the ball. Still, Fernandes remains the undisputed leader of the squad, wearing the captain’s armband and consistently producing goals and assists.
As Amorim looks to stamp his identity on the team, the challenge will be finding a balance that allows Mainoo’s development to flourish without disrupting Fernandes’ influence in the final third.
