Ben Foster leaves fans baffled by saying unthinkable Man Utd player should leave club on deadline day

Former goalkeeper Ben Foster has explained why he believes Kobbie Mainoo would benefit from leaving Manchester United on loan - a take that has become a huge talking point online.

Mainoo, who was one of United's standout performers under Michael Carrick last season, has featured in both of the club's opening Premier League games against Hull City and Ipswich Town.

In fact, the 21-year-old's performance in their 5-2 win over Ipswich was described as “immense” by Michael Carrick, who was full of praise for the England international after Sunday's final whistle.

“I thought he was fantastic today, Kobbie. It was nice for him to be home again and playing here with that confidence," said Carrick.

“To put in that performance today shows what Kobbie can do. We’re fortunate enough to have a really good midfield unit, and we can call upon different players at different times. I was really happy with the way he played today.”

Mainoo, who won possession more times than any other player in the latest round of fixtures, is primed to play a key role for United in the coming months.

But in a controversial take on the midfielder's situation at United, Ben Foster believes he needs a loan away from Old Trafford to fulfil his potential and "become a leader" on the pitch.

"I love Kobbie. He's the future, but he's not there yet," Foster wrote on his Threads account. "Be honest with yourself and you'll know he's not gonna be one of the first four or five names on the teamsheet.

"If he can get a year out on loan where he is the main man, where he is needed and relied upon every single game to drag a team through a Premier League season, that will instil something in him that he won't get at Manchester United.

"He'll understand what it takes and then he can become a leader and have people look up to him. Then he'll be ready to dominate for Manchester United."

Mainoo is widely regarded as one of United's best ever youth products. Image credit: Getty

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A fan commented on Foster's post, saying a loan would make "no sense at all", adding: "He’s young so his consistency *may* drop off from time to time but that’s why you make sure you have good cover across the squad."

Foster, however, doubled down on his take, claiming Mainoo would benefit from the loan system.

"That’s my point about loaning him out, give him a season where he learns what it takes to hold down the position and next season he’ll be good to go," the former goalkeeper replied. "The loan system is so important for growth."

Speaking on the Fozcast, the former United shot-stopper once again backed Mainoo to "flourish" away from Old Trafford.

"If he's not going to play now, or even if he's going to be a bit-part player, there would be 15 teams in the Premier League who would take Kobbie Mainoo on loan, and if they could promise him first-team football, you would see a player go and flourish, honestly," he said.