The much-decorated Brazil captain has spoken glowingly to us about the young protege, expressing his belief that the Academy product can become a mainstay in the engine room for many years to come.

Mainoo, who scored his first senior goal at Old Trafford in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool, was asked by Carlos G. in the United States to describe the education he has received from lining up with the South American, as part of our latest Fans’ Q&A.

His answer suggested much is to do with off-the-ball work, such an important part of operating at the highest level.

“I think just to scan even more because I feel like he sees things before everyone else does,” explained Kobbie, in terms of what he has learned most. “And, playing with him, sometimes he might give you the ball and you’re not expecting it.

“So I think it’s having to just be knowing what he’s thinking and always scanning so, whatever he thinks is happening next, I can try to be as quick and to be clued up as to what he’s thinking to do next. So I can try to get in the right positions and stuff and be around him.”

The relationship on the field naturally develops over time, as players grow to understand each other’s game in minute detail.

“Yes I guess so,” agreed the 18-year-old. “I mean, in training, you can see it a lot in the way he moves the ball so quickly and the way he sees these passes that not many other people see.

“So I try to watch him closely and see when he’s looking, when he’s scanning and when he’s looking and what he’s seeing, and try to pick that up in my game so I can be effective as well.”

Next up for the midfield duo is Saturday’s Premier League trip to the south coast to face Bournemouth, scene of a spectacular overhead kick by Casemiro in last term’s fixture.