Rio Ferdinand has begged one Manchester United star to stay at Old Trafford after reports emerged that he could be close to an exit.
Manchester United have lots of outgoings to finalise before the transfer window slams shut on Monday, September 1, as the club looks to move on all of the outcasts.
Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund seem to have completed moves to Chelsea and Napoli respectively, while Antony appears close to a permanent switch to Real Betis after his impressive six-month loan spell last season.
So far, Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona is the only senior outgoing to be finalised, but Toby Collyer has also completed a season-long loan to West Bromwich Albion.
The Director of Football – Jason Wilcox – will also be looking to sell Jadon Sancho before the window closes, but he could remain at the club for longer as the Turkish and Saudi Arabian transfer windows extend past the September 1 deadline.
With Senne Lammens reportedly close to joining Rúben Amorim’s squad, Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir could also be sold this summer, as both are struggling to do the basics in between the Old Trafford sticks.
Ferdinand sends plea to Mainoo
Another man who could still leave Old Trafford this summer is Kobbie Mainoo, as he is unhappy with his lack of game time at the start of the season.
Mainoo has to play backup this season, with Bruno Fernandes currently the first-choice in his position, but Rio Ferdinand has begged him to stay despite his game time concerns.
“David Ornstein was saying that Kobbie Mainoo is open to leaving, which is… I don’t want to hear that,” said Ferdinand on X.
“So, Kobbie, if you’re watching this, if you’re hearing, if people that are next to him, please don’t let me hear that. Please, man. I need you to stay at the club.”
Ferdinand continued to say: “Be patient. Please, I know it’s difficult. It’s easy for me to say, but I want to see you here.”
Mainoo represents the true United DNA
United have just entered their 13th season since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down from Old Trafford, and, since then, the DNA of the football club has been lost.
The Red Devils are known for their brilliant, free-flowing football, but most importantly, their trust in the academy setup and the players that come through the youth side.
Mainoo is one of the left academy products left at United, with Rashford out on loan and Garnacho set for Chelsea. Tyler Fredricson and Tom Heaton are the only other Carrington graduates in the first team.
Much like United youth players before him, Mainoo broke through to the first team at an early stage and quickly showed the world how good he was.
From comparisons to Paul Scholes, to starting in the Euros final at just 18, Mainoo is a true representation of how good United’s academy can be, and an example of the Red Devils’ DNA once again.
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