Top News

Manchester United face a pivotal decision this summer regarding how best to nurture the talents of Kobbie Mainoo. Yet while transfer speculation points towards midfield reinforcements arriving at Old Trafford, the club may already have the perfect partner for their homegrown starlet.

Since Michael Carrick took the reins in January, it has become abundantly clear just how vital Mainoo is to United's future ambitions. The 21-year-old was inexplicably cast aside by Ruben Amorim throughout his Old Trafford tenure, yet has flourished spectacularly under interim manager Carrick.

It is far from coincidental that Bruno Fernandes has produced his finest form this season when lining up alongside Mainoo. Preserving that partnership beyond this summer should therefore rank amongst United's foremost priorities in the months ahead.

Of his 19 Premier League assists so far this season, Fernandes has registered the vast majority while Mainoo has been on the pitch. Notably, Fernandes didn't register his first league assist until October, and it speaks volumes about Mainoo's influence that the Portuguese playmaker's output has truly flourished since the England international was brought back into the fold.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Mainoo has earned widespread praise for his ball retention and passing accuracy, qualities that often fall within Fernandes' remit when he is required to operate in a deeper position. Yet with Mainoo on the pitch, the Portugal skipper is free to direct his energies towards crafting more incisive chances in a more natural No. 10 role.

It is only since January that United have been able to rely upon their preferred midfield trio of Fernandes, Mainoo and Casemiro. While that is not to suggest the club should refrain from strengthening their midfield options this summer, it is plain for all to see who brings out the best in one another amongst the current squad.

Casemiro's departure inevitably necessitates at least one new signing, given how pivotal he has become in recent months. This comes alongside the uncertainty surrounding fringe players such as Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount.

Finding a Casemiro replacement of comparable quality will prove an enormous challenge in itself. Many supporters would welcome the Brazilian staying at Old Trafford for at least one further season, yet Carrick has made abundantly clear that his decision to depart is final.

Speculation has also surfaced regarding Fernandes' own future, amid sustained interest from Saudi Arabia and beyond. However, as he stands on the brink of breaking the league's all-time assist record, it has never been more apparent that the club must do everything in its power to retain its captain.

WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today

Mainoo's future appears to have been resolved after the youngster agreed a fresh five-year deal at the club he has supported since childhood. His new contract comes with a substantial pay increase to £120,000 a week, with an official confirmation expected imminently.

That particular piece of the midfield jigsaw is all but settled as United look to address the void left by Casemiro's departure. Yet when it comes to unlocking the best from Fernandes, Mainoo has demonstrated just how vital he is to that specific cause.