Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo would be justified in hitting back at Roy Keane after his criticism before the Liverpool game.
Mainoo dazzles
Mainoo ran the show as United beat Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford to complete the double over their bitter rivals for the first time in a decade.
United raced to a commanding two-goal lead inside 15 minutes through Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
But Liverpool worked their way back into it, capitalising on costly mistakes from Amad and Senne Lammens to restore parity and set up a frantic finish.
It was Michael Carrick’s men who had the last laugh. Mainoo proved the difference-maker, rifling home a sensational 77th-minute effort that restored United’s lead and wrapped up all three points. The victory also saw United mathematically book their spot in next season’s Champions League.
Beyond his goal, Mainoo was sensational in the middle of the park.
He completed all the take-ons he embarked on, while also managing an impressive 89% pass accuracy. He touched the ball 68 times. The Carrington academy graduate also made an astonishing seven ball recoveries.
Speaking on Sky Sports before kick-off, Keane said that he was “not convinced yet” about Mainoo. The former United skipper further explained that Mainoo needs to do more than he has been doing in the past few weeks since Michael Carrick’s arrival.
"He still hasn't convinced me"
Roy Keane is not convinced that Kobbie Mainoo will be an 'obvious starter' for Manchester United next season 🔴 pic.twitter.com/9HhoFjx4C7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2026
According to Ferdinand, Mainoo has more than responded to Keane’s criticism, but he is equally entitled to ask where the Irishman was at a similar age.
Ferdinand’s claim
Ferdinand said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, “If Roy Keane asked questions of a young midfielder at the club, the young midfielder has got to answer. I get it, and he has today.”
“Kobbie Mainoo has answered.”
“He could even ask Roy, ‘Roy, where were you at my age? You were at Nottingham Forest, you weren’t at Old Trafford having to run things on your own.'”
“‘While Casemiro’s vacating and flying in like a number nine up there while I’m on my own.'”
United are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland. No doubt Carrick and his players will be keen to make it four victories in a row.
Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
