How highly does Casemiro rate Mainoo?

The Academy product only made his first Premier League start of the season in the derby win over Manchester City, but has been selected in every one of Michael Carrick's XIs since.

Indeed, he has remained on the pitch throughout this spell, from 17 January onwards, apart from being substituted in the 76th minute of the 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old's form earned a recall to the England squad, with Thomas Tuchel giving him minutes against both Uruguay and Japan.

Speaking exclusively to club media, when answering questions sent in by United fans, Casemiro was asked for his thoughts on Kobbie's game, and supplied a detailed, and effusive, response.

"Kobbie is the present and the future," said the Brazil international. "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 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 over Manchester City].

"Kobbie is the present and the future."

Mainoo made his first international start since September 2024 in the 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley on Tuesday night, with his next outing due to come on 13 April, when Leeds United come to Old Trafford in the Premier League.