Rio Ferdinand has come to the defense of young Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whose performances have significantly improved under interim manager Michael Carrick. This comes after legendary player Roy Keane expressed skepticism about Mainoo's capabilities earlier in the season, suggesting that he may not be ready for the Premier League. However, since Carrick took over, Mainoo has become a key part of the starting lineup, marking a turnaround in his fortunes.

Mainoo, who had not started a Premier League match before Carrick's appointment, has now been a starter in all of the matches since, contributing to the team's four consecutive victories. His performance during their recent 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur was particularly noteworthy; he completed 33 out of 35 passes in the final third, demonstrating his ability to impact games positively. Ferdinand has pointed out that these statistics highlight Mainoo's growth and contradict Keane’s earlier assertions.

The discussion around Mainoo’s development highlights the challenges young players often face in high-pressure environments like Manchester United. With fresh contract talks indicating the club's belief in his potential, the narrative surrounding Mainoo is shifting from doubt to optimism. This turnaround under Carrick not only reflects on Mainoo’s capability but also showcases Carrick's effectiveness as a coach in nurturing young talent at the club.