“No player currently at Old Trafford can match my gameplay. He’s the player that can compliment me.” – Kobbie Mainoo sends a definitive message to Manchester United regarding summer transfers, indicating the players they should target.

Kobbie Mainoo has swiftly established himself as an undisputed starter in the fiercely contested central midfield position at Manchester United.

Despite the presence of seasoned players like a Brazilian international with multiple Champions League titles, a Danish international with extensive international experience, and even the club captain, Mainoo has emerged as the preferred choice.

It’s no longer Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, or Bruno Fernandes commanding the midfield; instead, the 18-year-old Mainoo has taken the lead role.

When Erik ten Hag selects his starting lineup for the remaining eight (potentially nine) games of the season, it’s likely to feature Mainoo alongside another midfielder.

Currently, Casemiro is the preferred partner, with the duo developing a rapport that works well in the center of the pitch. Casemiro’s defensive expertise and experience complement Mainoo’s agility, ball control, and dynamism.

Mainoo’s rapid rise to prominence has been remarkable. Despite his young age, he has secured a spot in Manchester United’s starting XI and is poised to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, having made his debut as a late substitute against Brazil last month.

Looking ahead to next season, United faces a dilemma in deciding Mainoo’s midfield partner. Casemiro, while currently the logical choice, is 32 years old and showing signs of decline in his performance and fitness. His departure this summer is a possibility if a suitable offer arises.

Similarly, Eriksen, another Ten Hag signing, is likely to leave Old Trafford in the upcoming transfer window, having failed to sustain his initial impact.

Fernandes, on the other hand, will continue to inspire the team, albeit in a more advanced role. While McTominay has experienced a resurgence this season, potentially earning him a new contract, he may still be considered a squad player rather than a consistent starter in midfield.

A dominant central midfielder is a priority for United this summer, and Mainoo has already hinted at his ideal partner. In a Q&A session with mufc.com, Mainoo expressed his desire to play alongside United legend Paul Scholes.

Despite the defensive limitations of such a partnership, Mainoo admires Scholes for his passing, movement, finishing ability, and football intelligence.

While Scholes was primarily known for his attacking prowess early in his career, he later transitioned into a deep-lying playmaker role, excelling in dictating the game’s tempo and orchestrating United’s attacks.

Despite not being known for his tackling, Scholes had the ability to disrupt opposition plays and initiate counterattacks.

United currently lacks midfield control, evidenced by their possession statistics and Casemiro’s pass completion rate. While defensive midfielders like Rodri and Rice are highly regarded for their defensive capabilities, their proficiency on the ball should not be overlooked.

Finding a midfielder with traits similar to Scholes, particularly his ability to retain possession and drive the team forward, could significantly benefit United’s midfield setup.