10 February 2024 , 22:30
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Erik ten Hag reckons teenage tyro Kobbie Mainoo is reaping the rewards of having a midfield minder in the shape of Brazilian enforcer Casemiro.
Stockport-born Mainoo, 18, has become the talisman for Manchester United's young side in recent weeks, striking up an instant bond with 19-year-old Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho and £72million striker Rasmus Hojliund, 21.
But Ten Hag reckons the presence of wily Champions League-winning veteran Casemiro has been a key factor in his development - and that the teenager is also bringing out the best in the former Real Madrid man.
Ten Hag said: “We are happy to have him (Casemiro) back and when he plays together with Mainoo, I think they can benefit each other. There is a bond there. Casa takes that responsibility of talking to Kobbie. I see it in the dressing room, I see it on the pitch, training and in games.
“Of course, Casemiro is looking after his own game - but he is also helping to support Kobbie Mainoo. You see the impact of a player like Casemiro when he’s there. He gives you calmness and composure on the ball, and he gives you options.
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“He sees the vertical pass, so he is always a step ahead of his opponent - and he breaks lines. He understands how to supply the offensive (players) and Casemiro is a very important player to our game.
“We are happy he is back and Kobbie Mainoo can learn a lot from him. Kobbie is coached very well, but Casemiro has so much experience - so he will learn from it and even accelerate his development.”
Injuries have forced Ten Hag to turn to the kids this season - and they have not disappointed their manager. When Garnacho opened the scoring in last week’s 3-0 home win over West Ham, he was joined by Mainoo and Hojlund for a photo opportunity in front of the Stretford End that instantly went viral.
Kobbie Mainoo (right) is enjoying himself at Man United (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)United have a tradition of developing their own talent and the Three Amigos have generated real excitement amongst the Old Trafford fans. But Ten Hag is mindful that there will be bumps in the road.
Unlike Sir Alex Ferguson, who two decades ago was preparing to unleash the Class of 92, the Dutchman is bringing youngsters into a team that doesn’t have a wealth of seasoned winners. United travel to Aston Villa with their season on a knife edge despite a five-game unbeaten run.
Ten Hag said: “It is more easy to integrate young talent into a successful team. That’s true. We were not in that situation - and I don’t think this club has been in that situation for a long time.
“For many years, United have not been in that (successful) position, so we are building a team that can offer a foundation for young players to come in. We need to have a foundation so that we can add quality players to the squad to take the team to the next level.
“The conditions to bring in Kobbie Mainoo were not so good that we definitely knew beforehand that it would be a success. I had the confidence because I saw him performing and progressing in spring and summer. I didn’t have any doubts. But there are many things he has to do on his own because when there are a lot of routines in the team it is much easier for him to come in."
Ten Hag added: "I also have to protect the player because first he has to get used to the Premier League intensity and then he has to get used to doing it every third day.
“You can’t train that. It’s impossible. You can’t train it in the under-21s. You can only train this in the Premier League and the Champions League when you play every third day.
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“That means you have to make considerations. It’s about the team - but it’s also about protecting young players so they don’t get injured. Robbie was injured twice and we don’t want that situation again because it stops his progress.”
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