Erik ten Hag praises Casemiro for his impact on Man Utd youngster Kobbie Mainoo and reveals the pair ‘have a bond’ as they prepare to face Aston Villa
- Kobbie Mainoo is getting the benefit of having Casemiro as mentor
- Erik ten Hag has revealed that the pair share a strong bond at Man Utd
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Manchester United gem Kobbie Mainoo is getting the benefit of having serial trophy winner Casemiro as a midfield mentor.
United boss Erik ten Hag has been delighted how five-time Champions League winner Casemiro has taken a personal interest in ensuring 18-year-old Mainoo maximises his outstanding potential.
The pair will be on duty for in-form United at Aston Villa with a winning closing the gap on a top-four place.
‘You can see the impact of a player like Casemiro. He gives you calmness and composure on the ball and sees the critical pass,’ said ten Hag.
‘Kobbie is very coachable and they have a bond. Casemiro has the experience that can accelerate his development.
Erik ten Hag has revealed Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro ‘have a bond’ at Man Utd
He continued to praise Mainoo for being coachable and adapting to life at Man Utd well
The manager finalised by stating that it is easy to integrate his young talent into the team
‘Casemiro takes that responsibility. He talks to Kobbie. I see it in the dressing room, in training and on the pitch in games.
‘Of course he looking at his own game but he’s trying to help and support Kobbie.’
The picture of youngsters Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo celebrating a goal together against West Ham last weekend encapsulated a new feeling of optimism at United following a frustrating season.
However, they are eight points behind Villa in the race for a Champions League spot which ten Hag confesses: ‘It is very important to play Champions League and that is our target, absolutely.’
‘It’s easier to integrate young talent into a successful team but I don’t think this club has been in that situation for a long time.
‘The conditions where we had to bring in Kobbie Mainoo were not so good but when I brought him in I didn’t have any doubts.’
Garnacho scored twice against West Ham and has thrived playing wide on the right – even though he prefers the left.
‘He is a player who is fluid and can be both positions or even inside. He feels very comfortable,’ said ten Hag.
United have won their last three matches in all competitions and are unbeaten in five.
In the reverse fixture against Villa, they came from 2-0 down at Old Trafford to win 3-2 and have since received the boost of billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe buying a 25% stake in the club.
