Wayne Rooney agrees with what Rio Ferdinand has told Ruben Amorim to now do at Manchester United

Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand are in complete agreement on what Ruben Amorim now must do at the club.

It’s safe to say the Red Devils are going through yet another rebuild. And thus far, they’ve recruited well in the transfer market.

Matheus Cunha was signed from Wolves as Ruben Amorim’s first purchase of the summer, and then it was Bryan Mbeumo joining Manchester United from Brentford.

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So, who is next? Well, they need a striker, but maybe the key isn’t a new signing, and more so, someone they begin to prioritise who’s been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Rio Ferdinand tells Ruben Amorim to build around Kobbie Mainoo

Rio Ferdinand has told the Manchester United manager to build his team around starlet Kobbie Mainoo.

“He’s a better ball carrier [than Scholes], he’s a better manipulator under pressure, and is more press resistant”, Rio said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

“I heard Amorim talking about demanding more from Kobbie Mainoo. Build it around Mainoo man, I think he is that good.

“I saw him at a top international level at a tournament, to say that this kid you build around him. He’s got the heart, he’s got the bravery, the skillset to go out and play at Old Trafford, I think and be a dominant player, but you have to give him the keys. He’s got to earn it and listen to the manager.

“I think this kid could be anything.”

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham wanted Mainoo, and there has been mass speculation that he could depart this summer; however, it’s clear that he has talent.

Talent recognised by another United great in Wayne Rooney.

Wayne Rooney agrees with Mainoo plan

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast in March 2025, Rooney agreed that Mainoo is one of two players at United that Amorim needs to build the team around.

Rooney said: “[On whether there is a way back for this Manchester United team] No, I don’t think so. They look lost.

“They look scared. Bruno [Fernandes] is the one who keeps producing, he annoys you at times but keeps producing.

“They need massive changes to the squad, I think 10-15 players need to leave the club. Obviously, they can’t do that, but there is a mentality there where no one is taking responsibility [in the squad].

“[On the players to keep] I’d keep Bruno and [Kobbie] Mainoo. There is a culture at the club where it’s too easy to lose games and the players come out and say, ‘Onto the next one,’ and all that rubbish.

Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

“Just show some character and fight on the pitch. It’s bad watching, it hurts. Being from Liverpool but spending so many years at United, I want the team to do well, I’ve got my kids in the academy, and it hurts watching them.”

Mainoo has bulked up massively this summer and could be the midfielder Amorim needs to inject pace and power into the midfield. We’re in agreement – Manchester United must keep him.

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