Kobbie Mainoo has lifted the lid on the leadership of Casemiro, revealing the simple but powerful message the veteran delivers to Manchester United players before every match.
Fresh off signing a new long-term contract, Mainoo continues to grow into a key midfield role, thriving alongside experienced figures as United push towards a return to the Champions League.
As the tempo builds on matchdays, Casemiro’s words have become a consistent rallying call in the dressing room.
“Before every game, when we go around and shake everyone’s hand while we’re on the pitch, Casemiro will say, ‘let’s have fun. Let’s enjoy football’. You know, that’s what it is, isn’t it?
“You have fun and you love to win, but ultimately, I’d be playing the game for free, I’d be playing in the back garden if I wasn’t playing it here.”
Meanwhile, Mainoo also highlighted the impact of learning from senior teammates, including captain Bruno Fernandes, both in training and during matches.
“It’s been huge for me because I’ve learned so much from Casemiro,” he said.
“Him and Bruno, to be fair. Mostly in training, like when I was 16 or 17, I’d come up to train, and I was only training with the first team at that time, I wasn’t playing games – like training was my games.
“I’d watch them and the pace of training was so high. I’d just think, how are they so calm in that? And like, what are they doing? I’d go home and I’d think about it a lot, and I’d try and implement things. But I’m still learning now, to this day.”
As United continue their charge, Mainoo’s development, guided by experienced leaders, signals a promising future, with the young midfielder already embracing the mentality required at the highest level.
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