Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has shared a heartfelt message for teammate Casemiro, who is set to depart the club this summer. Mainoo also revealed a specific topic that remains off-limits in the Red Devils' dressing room as the team focuses on securing Champions League qualification. The 21-year-old England international has become an integral part of Michael Carrick's side, recently signing a new bumper five-year deal ahead of Sunday's showdown with rivals Liverpool.

Casemiro, who is enjoying his best goalscoring season at Old Trafford, will conclude his Premier League chapter at the end of the current season. For Mainoo, having the Brazilian star at the Theatre of Dreams allowed him to play alongside one of his footballing heroes. The young midfielder anticipates an emotional farewell for the veteran, highlighting the significant impact Casemiro has had on his burgeoning career.

Speaking to GQ Magazine, Kobbie Mainoo expressed his admiration, stating, "Yeah, for me, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Tom Heaton are all still role models in my life and especially on the football pitch, how they carry themselves now, they approach the game." He emphasized the importance of having such figures to learn from, both within football and in life generally.

Mainoo further elaborated on his personal connection to Casemiro, recalling, "When I was younger, the season before he joined [in 2022], he was always in my FIFA team. So to get to play with him and learn off him every day, it's been a blessing." This sentiment underscores the profound influence Casemiro has had on the young Manchester United star.

The prospect of Casemiro's departure is clearly an emotional one for Mainoo, who added, "Definitely going to be emotional when he leaves because the impact he's had on my career so far has been amazing. I don't think he knows that." As the recruitment team orchestrates an evolution at the heart of the United midfield, with players like Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson linked, Mainoo's long-term future is secured, making him a likely mainstay despite facing an uncertain future under predecessor Ruben Amorim.

Meanwhile, the England national team will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats in major competition finals, having lost to Spain during Euro 2024. For Manchester United, the focus remains squarely on their immediate objectives, with World Cup talks currently on hold as they push for Champions League qualification.