Rio Ferdinand gives ‘razor sharp’ advice to Kobbie Mainoo on exactly what he has to do now

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Kobbie Mainoo was again left out of Ruben Amorim’s starting line-up for Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace.

Ruben Amorim has admitted that Kobbie Mainoo deserves more minutes this season, but the Manchester United boss has failed to find space in his starting line-up.

Once again, it was Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro who started in a double pivot against Crystal Palace as United won 2-1 at Selhurst Park.

Push comes to shove: Would you rather have Kobbie Mainoo stay at Man Utd or Ruben Amorim?

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Mainoo eventually came on as a substitute, but only in place of Bryan Mbeumo for the final moments of injury time.

Because of his game time, Mainoo is open to leaving United, but Rio Ferdinand has offered him some key advice ahead of January.

Rio Ferdinand’s advice to Kobbie Mainoo

United legend Nicky Butt advised Mainoo to leave Old Trafford in pursuit of more minutes, but Ferdinand believes there is something the 20-year-old can do to force his way back into Amorim’s plans.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he said: “If I’m Kobbie Mainoo now I’m probably sitting there for the last couple of weeks, I’m going to get myself razor sharp, majorly fit and ready for when the African Nations hits.

“Because if I don’t get in the team, then what is going on?

“The manager could easily, easily move Bruno even into the false nine if Sesko is not fit. He’s done that before. If Cunha is not fit as well, he can move Bruno to the left and play Kobbie in the midfield.

“I think it’s a big, big few weeks for Kobbie Mainoo in determining how he feels about his role at the football club, how he feels about staying or going.

“These next few weeks are going to be telling in that department. So watch this space.”

Man United’s next five games are perfect for Kobbie Mainoo

As pointed out by Ferdinand, United will be heavily impacted by AFCON with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui all set to depart on international duty.

• Ruben Amorim confirms when AFCON players will leave Man Utd, it’s ‘not ideal’

Amorim will have no choice but to reshuffle his line-up to make up for their absence, and that should present a golden opportunity to Mainoo.

United are also approaching a hectic fixture list over the winter period, with Amorim facing midweek matches for the first time this season.

Next up is a visit from West Ham, and the fixtures that follow will also see United head in as favourites.

It’s the perfect time for Amorim to be bold in his midfield selection and give Mainoo a chance to impress.