MAIN MAINO0
Kobbie joy shows kids are all right but big bond is with Casemiro
ERIK TEN HAG reckons teenage tyro Kobbie Mainoo is reaping the rewards of having a midfield minder in the shape of Brazil enforcer Casemiro.
Stockport-born Mainoo, 18, has become the talisman for Manchester United’s side in recent weeks, striking up an instant bond with 19-year-old Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho and £72million Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, 21.
But Ten Hag reckons the presence of Casemiro (right), 31, has been a key factor in his development – and that the teenager is bringing out the best in the former Real Madrid man.
Ten Hag said: “We are happy to have 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, on the pitch, training and in games.
“Of course, Casemiro is looking after his own game, but he is also helping to support Kobbie.
“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.
“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 is a very important player to our game.
“We are happy he is back and Kobbie can learn a lot from him.
“Casemiro has got so much experience, so he will help accelerate Kobbie’s development.”
Injuries have forced Ten Hag to turn to the kids this season, but they have not disappointed their boss.
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.
But Ten Hag is mindful that there will be bumps in the road, as 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.
“The need is to have a foundation, so that we can add quality players to the squad to take the team on to the next level.
“The conditions to bring in Kobbie were not so good that we knew beforehand it would be a success.
“But I had the confidence because I’d seen him performing and progressing. I didn’t have any doubts.”
Ten Hag added: “I also have to protect the young 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.
“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.
“Kobbie was injured twice and we don’t want that situation again because it stops his progress.”