Manchester United might be forced to wait to sign dream partner for Kobbie Mainoo

Last season, someone close to Kobbie Mainoo said he 'loves' to play with Casemiro.

The youngster broke into Manchester United's first team in November and was given the chance to start alongside Casemiro.

Casemiro's defensive discipline allowed Mainoo to go forward without fear of leaving his teammates exposed and he scored goals against Newport County, Wolves, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City. The latter was the winner in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Mainoo's goal against City was the most important of his career but his strike in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford was probably the best in terms of quality.

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Mainoo wasn't a prolific scorer during his time in the academy - he scored six goals in 56 appearances for the Under-18s and Under-21s - but his finishing improved last season and his excellent goals against Wolves and Liverpool are difficult to pick between.

It's up for debate which goal was the best, but there is no debate about whether Mainoo should continue to start in the new campaign. He confirmed himself as one of Europe's most exciting prospects last term and is a guaranteed starter on the opening day against Fulham.

Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are two of the first names on the team sheet, although the same can no longer be said of Casemiro, who succumbed to decline last season.

Although Mainoo enjoys playing with Casemiro, the 32-year-old has entered the winter of his career and looked a shadow of his former self throughout 2023/24. Casemiro still allows Mainoo to get forward because he sits in front of the defence but his quality has diminished.

Casemi