The emergence of academy product Kobbie Mainoo may be one of the few good news for Manchester United this season. But the rise of the young midfielder wouldn’t be possible without the help of Casemiro.
“I think just to scan even more because I feel like he sees things before everyone else does,” said Mainoo when asked what he has learned most by playing netx to the Brazilian, via the club’s website. “And, playing with him, sometimes he might give you the ball and you’re not expecting it.
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“So I think it’s having to just be knowing what he’s thinking and always scanning so, whatever he thinks is happening next, I can try to be as quick and to be clued up as to what he’s thinking to do next. So I can try to get in the right positions and stuff and be around him.”
Mainoo, 18, is forming a solid duo next to the former Real Madrid star in the middle of the park for Erik ten Hag’s side. But he knows things only get better with time.
“In training, you can see it a lot in the way he moves the ball so quickly and the way he sees these passes that not many other people see. So I try to watch him closely and see when he’s looking, when he’s scanning and when he’s looking and what he’s seeing, and try to pick that up in my game so I can be effective as well.”
Casemiro’s praise for Mainoo
Back in February, Casemiro had already shown his admiration for the kid, who started to make an impression halfway through this season while the Brazilian was out due to injury.
“He’s only 18 and he’s already a starter at a club like Manchester United,” said Casemiro. “It’s not easy, there’s a lot of pressure. But I think United will have a top player for the next years, easily.
“He’s a top player. He’s exceptional. He’s a humble, hard-working player. He knows how to listen. He’s a great player Since I play alongside him, I know Manchester United will have one of the best midfielders in the Premier League for the next years, easily.”
