Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo ‘Plays Like Clarence Seedorf’, Claims Rio Ferdinand

The game seesawed between both teams when Manchester United played Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday. The home side scored three goals to Wolves’ one in the first 75 minutes. The latter came from behind and equalized with the Red Devils in the 95th minute. But it was not safe yet to call the match a draw. In what can be called the most clutch display of recent times, 18-year-old defensive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo netted United’s winning fourth goal in the 97th minute! Thanks to this showdown, Mainoo is now earning comparisons to the game’s all-time greats.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has now compared Kobbie Mainoo to AC Milan’s iconic midfield veteran Clarence Seedorf. “I think he plays like Seedorf, that’s what I see in his game. I’m not saying he’s as good or that he’s going to be, but I see similarities,” said Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports. He further lauded the youngster for his ability to outmaneuver tight spaces. Mainoo joined Manchester United’s youth academy when he was nine. He rose through the ranks and eventually joined the club’s senior team in January 2023.

The 18-year-old has missed many Premier League matches owing to an injury. But whenever he is present, Mainoo has proved himself to be immensely potent. Earning comparisons to a legend of Clarence Seedorf’s stature is a testimony to that. Seedorf has won 5 UEFA Champions League titles with three clubs, namely, Ajax, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. Anyhow, Rio Ferdinand is not the only Manchester United veteran to shower praises on this future gem of the club!

‘Intelligent’, ‘A real star’: Other Manchester United legends who praised Kobbie Mainoo!

Kobbie Mainoo’s exploits at Old Trafford have impressed Red Devils veteran Roy Keane. “He’s a smart, intelligent footballer and he can go right to the very top,” Keane said during a Sky Sports appearance, referring to the Manchester United youth academy product. He also insisted that the senior players at the club should keep the youngster grounded so that he eventually soars to great heights.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand Reveals Why Xabi Alonso Is the Ideal Jurgen Klopp Replacement for Liverpool

Meanwhile, Gary Neville shares the same sentiment as Keane and Ferdinand with regards to Kobbie Mainoo. “He’s[Mainoo] proven already that he’s got the quality as well as the temperament to play in these big matches, he’s a real star,” said Gary Neville. The 18-year-old has surely returned from injury in style. His clutch showdown against Wolves proves that. Now that he has earned comparisons to the likes of Seedorf at such a young age, the challenge will be to stay grounded as Roy Keane said.

What are your thoughts on Mainoo’s run? Do you agree with Ferdinand? Tell us in the comments.