Coby Mainu has re-established himself in Manchester United’s starting XI under manager Michael Carrick and looks set to sign a new contract with the club.
Paul Pogba has given transfer advice to Manchester United midfielder Koby Mainu (Image: VALERY HACHE, AFP via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has advised Koby Mainu that playing time should be a top consideration when considering his future. Mainu was once again established in the starting lineup under manager Michael Carrick.
The midfielder had limited minutes under former manager Ruben Amorim, leaving his future at United uncertain. Mainu reportedly requested a loan move from the club during the summer transfer window in order to pursue more regular football, but United rejected the request.
The 21-year-old has just 12 months left on his contract at Old Trafford when the summer window arrives. However, he appears ready to sign a lucrative new contract with the club.
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Like Mainu, Pogba developed through the Old Trafford academy, but left in 2012 in search of consistent first-team action. He returned to the club in 2016, but left again six years later.
When asked on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast what advice he would give Mainu, Pogba appeared to suggest he should leave the club.
“He played, but he’s a very talented, very talented kid. He’s still young,” he said.
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“It’s difficult. It’s really difficult. That’s how he feels. If he feels that way, if he’s on good terms with the manager, if the manager really believes in him, he has all the clubs behind him, so this is for sure.”
“But I don’t know about his contract, because I think if he were to become a free agent, it would be a different story. But this kid thinks he can play, he thinks other people can play, and the manager is pushing him and saying, you can play on this team, why don’t you play. That creates problems for this kid as well, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I should quit.’
“Maybe this isn’t the right decision. And it’s really hard to say he should leave when he’s so loved by the United people. He’s a very good player, he’s got a lot of potential and he could have a great career at Manchester United.”
Coby Mainu became a key player for Man United under manager Michael Carrick. (Image: Ash Donnellon, Manchester United, via Getty Images)
“So, I don’t know, but I wish him the best. I don’t know what decision he’s going to make. I just want to watch this kid play. It’s fun to watch him play.”
Pogba’s life has not been easy since leaving United. The midfielder was suspended from football for a doping violation. After his return, he signed with French club Monaco last summer, but he has only appeared in four games in Ligue 1 this season.
Tune in to the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel to watch the full interview live on Wednesday, April 22nd at 8am.
