Rio Ferdinand gives his verdict on how Ruben Amorim handled the recent media storm surrounding Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
It has been a difficult season for Manchester United, with Ruben Amorim’s side sitting seventh in the Premier League at Christmas.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  SunderlandSunderland | 17 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 27 |
| 7 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 31 | 28 | 3 | 26 |
| 8 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 26 |
United lost 2-1 against Aston Villa on Sunday when an injury to Kobbie Mainoo ruled out the possibility of a first Premier League start of the season for the England international.
While Casemiro will return from suspension to face Newcastle on Boxing Day, it remains to be seen if Mainoo will return to the team. The 20-year-old will be in contention to start if he’s fit due to Bruno Fernandes’ latest injury setback.
What do you think of Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wearing a ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ t-shirt at Old Trafford?
This is NOT going to help Kobbie Mainoo!
Mainoo has been one of the biggest topics of conversation at Old Trafford due to the lack of game time he has received this season. He has gone from being a regular under Erik ten Hag to playing a bit-part role under Amorim.
The transition has led to multiple former players speaking out, with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt urging Mainoo to leave United to seek a challenge elsewhere. Roy Keane gave the opposite advice by urging the young midfielder to get his head down and work his way into the head coach’s plans.
Rio Ferdinand admires Ruben Amorim’s stance on Kobbie Mainoo t-shirt drama
After the t-shirt stunt from Mainoo’s brother, Amorim stressed there is no problem with the player, who saw a request to leave on loan rejected in August.
Mainoo last appeared as a substitute in United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, impressing Amorim with his cameo performance.
The United head coach was adamant that he did not see the need to speak to Mainoo about the incident, but now former defender Rio Ferdinand has praised his approach to the situation.
“Yeah, I saw the manager’s interview,” Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“I actually thought he handled it really well. I’ve got to be honest and I look at it a couple of ways.
“I’ve been one of the legend players that they’re referring to that’s talked about, maybe, Kobbie going. My thing with that, I’m always here for saying, young player, sit down, shut up and work. See where that gets you.”
Which Manchester United player has Ruben Amorim improved the most?
Amorim is expected to provide an update on the fitness of his injured players when he addresses the media on Christmas Eve, including Mainoo.
Man Utd list of absentees ahead of Newcastle clash
It looks like United will be without seven players when they host Newcastle.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are away at the AFCON.
The injury list includes Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Mainoo.
Hopefully, Amorim will be able to welcome back some players during the festive period.
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