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9 months ago
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Erik ten Hag is of the belief that Kobbie Mainoo is benefiting from having Casemiro back fit because the Brazil international is acting as a mentor to the academy graduate.
This is the benefit of having a mixture of experience and youth at Manchester United and I firmly believe Ten Hag should still be looking to lower the squad’s average age in the summer.
The manager is delighted how five-time Champions League winner Casemiro has taken a personal interest in ensuring 18-year-old Mainoo maximises his outstanding potential, which can only be a good thing for the future of United’s first-team.
The pair are likely to be named in the starting line-up in Sunday’s Premier League meeting against Aston Villa.
“You can see the impact of a player like Casemiro. He gives you calmness and composure on the ball and sees the critical pass,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“Kobbie is very coachable and they have a bond. Casemiro has the experience that can accelerate his development.
“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’s looking at his own game but he’s trying to help and support Kobbie.”
Speaking more specifically about the importance of the game at Villa Park, Ten Hag mentioned how the aim for this season is to qualify for the Champions League. United fans would also like to see a successful run in the FA Cup.
Ten Hag said: “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.”
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