Kobbie Mainoo explains advice from Man United star who thinks he’s “a top player”

Kobbie Mainoo has learned a lot from his Manchester United midfield partner Casemiro, but there is one that he improved the most with the Brazilian’s aid.

After a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend, Mainoo has spoken about how Casemiro has helped him improve at Manchester United.

While speaking on the Fans Q&A series on MUTV, the 18-year-old was asked what specific parts of his game have improved under the guidance of the Brazilian.

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He answered: “I think just to scan even more because I feel like he sees things before everyone else does. Playing with him, sometimes he might give you the ball and you’re not expecting it.

“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.”

The English youngster was also asked if he believed his relationship with the 32-year-old had developed off the pitch, allowing them to better understand each other on the pitch.

“Yes, I guess so,” agreed Mainoo. “I mean, 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 reciprocated the praise, speaking to the club in the TeamViewer Diaries series about Mainoo’s bright future.

The Champions League winner said: “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.

“As long as he keeps his head on straight, just as he’s doing now, I think we’ll have a great player for many, many years here at United.”

Mainoo has had a breakthrough season with the Red Devils, appearing in 17 Premier League matches and potentially securing a place in England’s starting lineup for the upcoming EURO 2024 tournament.