Why Kobbie Mainoo is the biggest winner from Casemiro’s World Cup disaster with Brazil

Add as preferred source on Google

Departed Manchester United star Casemiro had a World Cup performance to forget as Brazil faced Morocco.

At the end of last season, Manchester United waved goodbye to Casemiro, ending his four-year stint at the club.

Casemiro left on a high note and headed straight to the World Cup after being included in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil side.

However, Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco in their opening group stage game and Casemiro dropped a 3/10 performance for his nation.

Will Casemiro’s comments on Manchester United inspire other top players to follow? What is your response to his statement?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Casemiro’s disaster makes Kobbie Mainoo look brilliant

Brazilian media ripped into Casemiro for his performance against Morocco, with his lack of mobility proving to be a real issue in midfield.

The 34-year-old looked exposed at times, and he only won two of the eight duels he contested.

There is no denying that Casemiro had a disaster of a performance, but that does shine a bright light on Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo enjoyed a resurgence under Michael Carrick in the second half of last season, and he did it playing alongside Casemiro in midfield.

When Casemiro was taken away from Mainoo and put in the Brazil side, he looked exposed and lost, and that is a credit to the 21-year-old Carrington graduate.

Which Manchester United player will have the most successful World Cup 2026?

Who are you most excited to watch?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Kobbie Mainoo was covering Casemiro’s flaws

United fans were well aware of Casemiro’s flaws heading into 2025/26. In the season prior, the midfield was far too exposed and open, and his lack of mobility was a big issue.

The reintroduction of Mainoo under Carrick seemed to fix United’s midfield, albeit temporarily.

But that is credit to Mainoo’s improved physicality and defensive work.

READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo will be relishing Ruben Amorim clash as reunion now becomes real possibility

Ruben Amorim criticised Mainoo’s energy levels, but clearly he was doing a lot of covering for Casemiro last season in terms of his running and defending.

This summer, United are focused on signing mobile midfielders who can play alongside Mainoo, and that should free him up to express himself even more on the pitch.