United prodigy working closely with veteran star in training as summer exit nears – report

Kobbie Mainoo was close to leaving Manchester United under the reign of former head coach Ruben Amorim, but caretaker manager Michael Carrick’s arrival has rejuvenated his career. The Englishman rose through the ranks at Carrington and broke into the senior side under former manager Erik ten Hag as a teenager. Such was his impact that Mainoo quickly became a first-team regular for club and country, starting – and starring – in the 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024. The Englishman also started the Euro 2024 final, which the Three Lions lost to Spain. However, the 21 year old failed to fit into Amorim’s plans and was heavily linked with an exit in January. United replaced the Portuguese with Carrick at the beginning of this year and Mainoo has been a regular feature in the first team since. The young midfielder has been exceptional so far, with another masterclass over the weekend in the 1-0 win over Chelsea further endearing him to fans. It now appears that Mainoo is already working behind the scenes to further improve ahead of the next campaign. Mainoo spending time with Casemiro According to journalist Ian Irving, Mainoo is spending more time with Casemiro in training as the veteran midfielder prepares to leave this summer. Speaking on the Talk of The Devils podcast, Irving said: “I’ve been told he’s (Mainoo) speaking a lot more to Casemiro.” “There’s a sense across the squad that people are trying to get the moment with Casemiro because they know time is running out. So those little conversations, those little tip bits after training are being extended more and more just so everyone can just soak up that expertise.” Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of this season, and he has already announced that he will leave. The five-time Champions League winner has been in exceptional form this season, registering eight goals and two assists in 32 appearances. Mainoo, meanwhile, has amassed three assists in 25 games in all competitions. The Englishman’s contract is due to expire at the end of next season, but a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that he has verbally agreed to a blockbuster new contract. Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League2311-21-1,204′ EFL Cup11-1–90′ FA Cup11–1-62′ Total2513-32-1,356′ Source: Transfermarkt. How many games have Casemiro and Mainoo played together? Casemiro and Mainoo have been a constant feature in midfield since Carrick’s arrival and have started together in all but one game, which the Englishman missed due to injury. The Brazilian’s steel and experience have complemented the Englishman’s poise and vision, while the young player has already improved by leaps and bounds under the veteran’s watchful eye. The duo have already shared the pitch 48 times in all competitions to date, even contributing one goal together. Casemiro has registered 25 goals and 14 assists in 157 games in all competitions for United to date, winning the EFL Cup and the FA Cup during his stay at Old Trafford. Mainoo, meanwhile, has amassed seven goals and five assists in 97 appearances for the Premier League giants to date. Final Thoughts Mainoo and Casemiro have struck up a stellar partnership, which is why it is pivotal that United sign an able replacement for the Brazilian this summer. The Red Devils have been linked with several candidates so far, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, who is arguably the best in his position in the league right now. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.