Man Utd midfielder Casemiro sat down for a reflective interview with club media ahead of his exit this summer.

Casemiro believes Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha are the future of Manchester United. Casemiro has started alongside Mainoo in every Premier League game since Michael Carrick’s appointment.

Casemiro developed a strong understanding with Mainoo when he first broke into the team under Erik ten Hag, and the pair have rekindled their relationship over the last few months.

The Manchester Evening News have previously reported that Mainoo “loves” to play with Casemiro. Mainoo did not start in the league this season while Ruben Amorim was in charge, but Carrick has restored him to the starting XI, which has helped United’s midfield to look better-balanced.

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Speaking to club media, Casemiro said of Mainoo: “Kobbie is the present and the future. 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]. He is the present and the future.”

Two years ago, Casemiro described Mainoo as a “complete player”. However, the youngster struggled for minutes under Amorim, who could not fit him into his 3-4-3 formation.

Mainoo’s performances alongside Casemiro earned him a recall to the England squad for the March international break. Casemiro has represented Brazil during the internationals, starring with Cunha for his nation.

Cunha has grown close to Casemiro since his transfer from Wolves and their families recently holidayed together in the United States. Casemiro was asked to pick out his favourite assist during his time at United, and he named his pass to Cunha for his goal against Brighton in October.

“I don’t know if it’s my favourite, but the assist I like is one I did this year for Cunha because he is a player that I have a lot of affection for, and he wanted to open his scoring account,” he said.

“And I was the first to give an assist, and I am sure he will always remember it, as he is a player that is going to be so important for United. And I was able to provide with him the assist.”

Speaking last month, Cunha said of Casemiro: “I’m always asking him: ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United. Just one year with me, no! Let’s go for the second little year. We’re very close, he’s always helping me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to play with him here and with the national team.

“I always learn from him and understand more and more how he won so many titles. He’s reached a stage where he can decide where to play.”