Rio Ferdinand makes brilliant Kobbie Mainoo comparison to AC Milan legend amid ‘special’ verdict

Liam Corless
Ferdinand showered Mainoo with praise

Kobbie Mainoo’s remarkable rise continued on Thursday night as he scored a sensational winning goal for Manchester United in their 4-3 win over Wolves.

It had looked as though United had surrendered two points when Pedro Neto equalised for the hosts five minutes into stoppage time, but just two minutes later United were back in front courtesy of Mainoo’s first Premier League goal.

The win moved United to within eight points of the top four ahead of West Ham’s trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Praise for Mainoo

Mainoo will expect to start once more as United aim to gain momentum in their pursuit of Champions League qualification, and he will go into that game off the back of being compared to an all-time great.

Speaking after Mainoo’s winning goal against Wolves, United legend Rio Ferdinand likened Mainoo’s style to that of Clarence Seedorf.

“I’m not saying he’s of the same ability or that he’s that player yet but he gives me the vibes of Clarence Seedorf with the way he can manouevre in tight situations and the way he manipulates the ball,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.

“He uses his body at times, but then shifts it and pops it through the legs of Kilman there… beautiful. He’s elusive at times as well and the control and the awareness to be able to pick his spot there… some players see the headlights there and the back pages and think ‘I’m going to go for it’ – and he just caressed it.”

About The Author

Liam has 10 years' experience in journalism, having previously operated as the Manchester Evening News' associate football editor, and as an editor for the Daily Mirror, the Daily Express and the Daily Star.