Former England star names the Man Utd player helping Kobbie Mainoo to ‘improve dramatically’

Former Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith believes Casemiro is a vital presence for youngster Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo has established himself as a regular first-team starter at Old Trafford, with the 18-year-old providing skill and goals from middle of the pitch.

There is now speculation that he will be taken to Euro 2024 given the quality of his performances, and that same quality has also led to suggestions that he may force Casemiro out of the club.

The veteran Brazilian has been brilliant at times for United, but there have been some underwhelming performances, on-pitch disciplinary problems and injury concerns, so it may be time for him to move on this summer.

Smith, speaking to bookmaker comparison site oddspedia.com, thinks that Casemiro is - for now - what Mainoo needs to help his development.

He said: “I think any time that chips are down and people question you, having the experience of certain people like Casemiro – I know people look at his age – but I’m sure he’s helping Mainoo improve dramatically.

"I know that it goes underestimated a lot of the time, like when I was there with Roy and Giggsy, all the experienced players that people just expected to be so consistent every week, and then the younger players around them can have inconsistencies. 

“I feel as though that is what goes unnoticed about Casemiro. When I was there and played with Keane and Scholes alongside me in midfield, I could be more inconsistent as I had the consistency of those two around me.”

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