Paul Scholes has recalled how he would hear stories about one “young” Manchester United star’s encounter with Casemiro during training at the Red Devils.
The 49-year-old Manchester United legend is arguably the best midfielder in the club’s history and one of the best midfielders of all time in the Premier League.
One of the distinguished ‘Class of ‘92,’ members, Paul Scholes spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford across two separate spells under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The legendary former United midfielder enjoyed incredible success at Old Trafford, including lifting 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
Scholes was a linchpin midfield figure for Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary teams of the past and was highly influential at dictating the tempo of matches.
The ex-England international initially retired from football in 2011 before he made a sensational U-turn and returned to Old Trafford as a player in 2012.
Scholes would secure a Premier League title with United in the 2012-13 season before he called it time on his legendary playing career in 2013.
Scholes talks Man Utd star and Casemiro
Paul Scholes admitted that he had previously been informed about a “young lad” who would hold his own against Casemiro or sometimes be “better than him.”
Casemiro had incredible success at Real Madrid before the 32-year-old Brazilian midfielder completed his blockbuster move to Old Trafford in 2022.
The former Real Madrid star was widely praised for his debut campaign in England, but Casemiro did come under criticism last season for his form and consistency.
Casemiro was frequently paired in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo, who enjoyed a breakout season at Old Trafford under United manager Erik ten Hag.
Scholes boldly suggested that Kobbie Mainoo is the “nearest thing” to Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, with the United star also impressing against Casemiro.
“He’s the nearest thing I’ve seen to [Zinedine] Zidane in taking a ball, receiving the ball, cruising past people,” he told The Guardian.
“I heard there was a young lad holding his own against Casemiro in training, sometimes better than him.
“But you have to go out and do it. The first time I saw him I remember that calmness.
“The way he received the ball with confidence; I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that.”
Scholes on ‘calmness’ of Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo’s incredible success at Old Trafford saw him break into the United first team as a key player and play a starring role for England at Euro 2024.
The 19-year-old Stockport-born player has become a linchpin midfield figure for United boss Erik ten Hag after his remarkable 2023-24 season.
Scholes admitted that he never had the “calmness” of Mainoo at such a young age and insisted that the “sky’s the limit” for the England international.
“That calmness didn’t come for me as quick as it did for Kobbie,” he said.
“I’d say it came five or six years into my career. That’s why it amazes me. He’s so relaxed, the game’s so easy to him.
“It’s almost like poetry in motion. That calmness will be vital throughout his career. It’s [something] just in you.
“The sky’s the limit for this lad if he keeps his head down. And he looks like the type who will stay on an even keel.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
