Old Trafford is still riding the wave of Manchester United’s convincing 2-0 win over Tottenham, a result that sealed a flawless four-match start for interim manager Michael Carrick. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes grabbed the spotlight, but Rio Ferdinand has made it clear he believes the real story was missed. The former United defender expressed strong frustration at what he described as a “criminal” lack of recognition for Kobbie Mainoo, whom he sees as the quiet force driving United’s resurgence.
Speaking after the match, Ferdinand argued that Mainoo’s influence was fundamental to the victory and to United’s growing control in the race for a top-four finish. He praised the 20-year-old’s composure, positional intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo alongside Casemiro, insisting that without him, the result could easily have slipped away. Mainoo’s contribution, Ferdinand said, lay in the details: recycling possession, breaking up Spurs’ transitions, protecting the defence, and keeping the team balanced throughout the game.
Mainoo’s display against Tottenham underlined how far he has come in a short space of time. Once seen as a fringe option, he has become central to Carrick’s plans, covering more ground than anyone else on the pitch and knitting United’s play together. For Ferdinand, this evolution is no coincidence. Under Carrick, Mainoo has matured into the stabilising presence United had been missing, emerging as an unsung hero in a team suddenly full of belief and momentum.
