Manchester United star Casemiro has named Kobbie Mainoo to become one of the best number 8s in football in the future. Mainoo is often considered among the most promising midfielders in the current generation.
In a Q&A session for Manchester United, Casemiro showered praise on Kobbie Mainoo, describing him as the present and the future at the club. He said (via Metro UK):
"Kobbie is the present and the future. I think that he is one of the best No.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years. He is a player I really like. He always wants the ball. It is true that football can’t change your mentality but Kobbie demonstrated that he hasn’t changed his focus once."
He added:
"He has to continue focusing like he is now and continue playing the important role he is now. But what a player he is, he is a great player. He has demonstrated this in the Euros final with England; he has demonstrated it in finals, he scored in the FA Cup [in the 2024 final win against Manchester City]. Kobbie is the present and the future."
Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United at the end of this season. However, the Brazilian has been in great form since Michael Carrick took over as interim manager in January. He has been an integral part of the Red Devils midfield, alongside having a great partnership with Mainoo.
Fans and pundits have also asked Casemiro to reconsider his decision to leave the club this summer, but the Brazilian has not changed his mind as of yet. Manchester United are looking for a suitable replacement, while Mainoo remains a key part of their project.
Casemiro says he's hoping not to cry on the day of his final game for Manchester United
In the aforementioned Q&A with Manchester United's social media, Casemiro recalled his beautiful experience of playing for the club. He mentioned he's hoping not to get emotional on his final day, saying (via Sports Illustrated):
"Lots of people think it is just the last few months, since the announcement, but I have to be thankful, since the very first day that I arrived here, the fans have been amazing with me and my family. It’s just gratitude for this love, it is so exciting. I am hoping not to cry on my last day, as it is such a beautiful experience. My wife already cried, the other day, when the fans were asking for one more year. I just want to enjoy it, enjoy all the moments and I will be a United fan for the rest of my life."
The Brazilian joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid and went on to make 155 appearances for the club, scoring 24 times and assisting 14 times. He won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his stint. He is set to play the final seven games in Manchester United colors after the international break.