![\"Kobbie](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_GettyImages-2273848891.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKobbie Mainoo has opened up on the impact Casemiro has had on his career at Manchester United, while sharing that World Cup talk has been put on the backburner as the Red Devils push for Champions League qualification<\/p>\n
Mainoo will remain at United until 2031(Image: Ash Donelon\/Manchester United via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has disclosed that World Cup discussions are currently on pause as the Red Devils pursue Champions League<\/a> qualification. Having previously been sidelined from the starting XI, the 21-year-old has become a crucial component of Michael Carrick’s team and heads into Sunday’s clash with rivals Liverpool<\/a> following a new lucrative five-year contract.<\/p>\n The England international has been amongst the regular fixtures in Carrick’s squad despite facing an uncertain future under former boss Ruben Amorim.<\/p>\n With Mainoo’s long-term future now secured, it seems he will be amongst the core players as the recruitment team orchestrates a transformation at the heart of United’s midfield – with Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson amongst those reportedly targeted.<\/p>\n Get MEN Premium now for just \u00a31 HERE<\/a> \u2013 or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE<\/a>. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE<\/a> and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Casemiro, who is enjoying his most prolific goalscoring campaign at Old Trafford<\/a>, will depart the club at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on the Premier League<\/a> phase of his career.<\/p>\n The Brazilian’s presence at the Theatre of Dreams allowed Mainoo to observe one of his footballing idols at close quarters.<\/p>\n He anticipates an emotional send-off for the midfield veteran, Mainoo told GQ Magazine: “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.<\/p>\n “It’s important to always have them people who you want to learn things from, whether that’s in football or off the pitch and life.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n