Manchester United can give Kobbie Mainoo what he wants with ideal summer signing

While Kobbie Mainoo was stepping onto the pitch in Cologne, Casemiro was stepping off it in Madrid.

The Brazilian is back at his family home and had a floodlit workout on his bespoke five-a-side pitch. Hours later, Brazil drew 0-0 with Costa Rica in Los Angeles.

Brazil were based in Florida earlier this month for a friendly against the United States in Orlando. Casemiro was too, only he was visiting Mickey and Minnie at Disney World.

As one hopefully great midfield career begins with Mainoo, another appears to have ended. Casemiro is a mere 32 years of age but nobody is expecting longevity remotely akin to a former United linchpin. Michael Carrick was nearly 37 when he swapped the dressing room for the coaches' office at Carrington.

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Casemiro would not have planned on a June vacation last summer but his club form has led to international banishment. His exposure in midfield and defence last season was regular and merciless. "Leave the football, before the football leaves you," Jamie Carragher advised Casemiro just over seven weeks ago.

Erik ten Hag dropped Casemiro for the first time for the FA Cup final. United took the train to London with an extra outfield player, which indicated a fitness issue, and United figures said Casemiro was carrying an injury heading into the match. The 11th-hour timing of his withdrawal (Casemiro was named among the substitutes on teamsheets) was still suspicious.

As it stands, Casemiro is expected to pull into the Carrington first team car park on July 8. If he is sufficiently motivated, he would have a full pre-season to