“We have played in the England U21 together and the connection between me and him is Massive we where unstoppable-i want Sir Jim Ratcliffe to Sign him in the summer for Manchester United.”

Kobbie Mainoo has already established himself as a reliable starter in Manchester United’s competitive central midfield.

Forget about the Brazilian international who has five Champions League winners’ medals in his trophy collection. Or a Danish international with around 130 caps on his belt. Or maybe the club captain, a talismanic figure in another tough season.

Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and even Bruno Fernandes are no longer the first choices in United’s engine room. Mainoo is 18 years old.

Erik ten Hag’s starting lineup for the next eight (possibly nine) games this season will include Mainoo and one additional player. Casemiro is presently the preferred partner, and the two have developed a partnership that works well in the center of the field, with the Brazilian’s defensive nous and experience complementing Mainoo’s fast feet, ball skill, and raw enthusiasm.

The child from Stockport has rocketed to prominence. He has not only established his place in the United starting lineup, but he seems to be a lock for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team, despite just making his debut as a late replacement against Brazil last month.

United’s issue is who to partner Mainoo with next season. Casemiro, although the obvious option to pair the kid right now, is 32 and declining. His legs aren’t what they used to be, and neither is his general fitness record. He might leave this summer if he finds a suitable suitor.

Eriksen, another Ten Hag signing whose flame blazed brightly but burnt out too fast, is also expected to leave Old Trafford this summer. Fernandes, meanwhile, will continue to be the inspiration, albeit in a more advanced position. While Scott McTominay’s once-faltering United career has been revived in spectacular fashion this season, to the point where a new contract may be due, he will undoubtedly be viewed as a squad player rather than a consistent starter in the centre of midfield if Sir Jim Ratcliffe is to achieve his goal of chasing down Manchester City and Co.

A powerful central midfielder is essential for United this summer, and Mainoo has already said who his preferred partner would be. In a Q&A with mufc.com, the youngster was asked which past United player he would most want to play with.

His response, legendary Paul Scholes, should come as no surprise. There are certain parallels in their play, like as how they manage the ball and keep an eye on the goal. Scholes has 11 Premier League championships and is third on the all-time appearances list.

“I would suggest Paul Scholes,” he responded to the question. “Although there may not be much defense between the two of us! But yes, Scholes. Scholes – undoubtedly.

“Because of everything.” His passing, mobility, and finishing technique. His intellect. “Yes, he was an excellent player.”

On the surface, Scholes may not seem to be the ideal partner for Mainoo, and he is correct in stating that there may not be much defensive work if the two of them were coupled in center midfield. Scholes was unquestionably an offensive force early in his career, with late appearances in the area and some fantastic goals.

However, in the second part of his career at United, Scholes adapted to a deep-lying playmaker style, which fit his exceptional passing abilities and ability to command the tempo of the game. No one in the Premier League could manage the pace of a game better than Scholes, and no one could pass as well as the guy known as ‘SatNav’.

While tackling was never his strong point, as seen by 97 yellow cards and a scolding from Arsene Wenger for being ‘dirty’, Scholes understood how to get his foot in and break off advances before unleashing United on the counter.

These are characteristics that United currently lack in the center of midfield. All of the midfielders provide minimal control, and Casemiro, in particular, loses possession at an alarming pace. This season, his Premier League pass completion percentage is only 82 percent. United has the league’s tenth-best possession figures, after Fulham and Newcastle.