Kobbie Mainoo 'loves' playing with one Man Utd teammate who makes him play so much better

Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence at Manchester United under Michael Carrick has been the highlight of 2026 so far, and he’s benefited from one teammate in this revival.

If Ruben Amorim wasn’t sacked, we would likely be looking at Kobbie Mainoo in the sky blue of Napoli right now with regret.

But instead, Michael Carrick arrived, and Mainoo has been immense in three games since dominating City, Arsenal, and Fulham.

Mainoo hasn’t missed a beat despite having a poor 14 months under Amorim. Rio Ferdinand has hailed Mainoo recently for his ability to handle pressure.

Mainoo’s contract situation will now take priority as he continues to show his value on the pitch with the help of one teammate.

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Kobbie Mainoo benefits massively from Casemiro’s partnership

It is safe to say that Carrick is a massive Mainoo enthusiast in midfield, turning him into a key figure in his team.

These performances have all come alongside the brilliant Brazilian Casemiro.

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Mainoo’s time alongside Casemiro is so important for his development, and now the Manchester Evening News, has reported how the 20-year-old feels playing next to his legendary teammate.

The report states that a source has admitted that Mainoo ‘loves’ playing football with Casemiro, something that has been evident in the three recent games.

Mainoo and Casemiro have a strong relationship in midfield going back over two years, and in goal celebrations can be seen chest bumping, which seems to be the thing they do together.

Casemiro once predicted Mainoo would dominate for 15 years, and this prediction looks stronger than ever as he continues to get better and look more like a leader in this team.

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Manchester United needs to get the Casemiro replacement right

Mainoo’s love for Casemiro is shared by practically the entirety of Old Trafford right now, but the club is in the process of replacing him.

Casemiro announced he will leave United once this season ends, which leaves an absolutely huge gap in midfield for Ineos to solve and fill.

Whoever is signed to replace him has a massive job and big shoes to fill, but they will be alongside Mainoo.

This won’t have been the case even a month ago, but now Mainoo looks likely to be a first name on the team sheet for United going forward, and so midfielder targets need to be compatible next to him.

Elliot Anderson is the top target, potentially the only one capable of stepping in and immediately covering the absence of the Brazil captain.

United needs to sign a player that Mainoo will love playing with is the main directive that should be given to the recruiters this summer, as he is the crown jewel of the club and should be built around.

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