This week, before Manchester United's Champions League match against Atlético Madrid, Seedorf visited the Carrington training ground and interviewed Mainoo for an Amazon Prime Video program. In the third part of their conversation (which we've divided into three sections due to its length), the two discussed their respective views on football.
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Of course, speaking of Rooney, he's one of the greatest players of all time. We became good friends, and whenever I get the chance, I bring up that game against Manchester United. That generation of Manchester United players fought for years to win the Champions League. When I first started playing, my idol was Rijkaard, who won the Champions League twice with AC Milan. Later, I won a third one with him. Playing alongside my idol and winning the Champions League felt like a dream come true. From then on, I was determined to win as many Champions League trophies as him. What are your future goals at this great club that you grew up with?
Coach Carrick won here and experienced Manchester United's golden era firsthand. I hope to rekindle that glory and feel that splendour again. Everyone misses Manchester United's past, and I want to bring that glory back to the present, to keep winning here. My dream is to bring this club back to the top.
I'm glad you mentioned the coach. Carrick was an extremely professional and excellent player, and I believe he will be a great manager. From what I can see from the outside, he's doing very well, bringing you back and being very wise in his decisions. At some point in your career, encountering a coach who trusts you is incredibly important. I was also fortunate when I was young that many coaches were willing to believe in me, but you also have to perform.
I remember a game we were preparing for in Milan, where we conceded a goal in five minutes and went down 1-0. The situation instantly reversed. The ability to understand the demands on the pitch and to read your direct opponent is crucial. Beyond thinking about what to do after receiving the ball, transitions between defence and attack are something I value, and I think this is also a big advantage for you: transitions, driving forward, beating your direct marker, creating numerical advantages. What other aspects do you feel you can still improve?
I want to keep improving. I want to refine my killer passes, the kind of passes that lead to assists and goals, creating opportunities for my teammates. Everyone currently sees me as a link midfielder, responsible for receiving and distributing the ball, but I hope to create more opportunities and dictate the flow of the game through passing and dribbling.
People sometimes compare us, and when I was young, I really disliked being compared. Everyone is unique, and you are also a unique player. You and I had similar mentalities when we were young—the ability to read the game and a calm demeanor. When the team is under pressure, teammates can rely on you, which is a very valuable quality. Do you feel ready to shoulder this responsibility now?
One hundred percent ready. As a Manchester United midfielder, every game brings immense pressure, and I am willing to take on that responsibility. I hope my teammates trust me as much as I trust them, and that I can control the pace of the game with my ball control and help the team dictate the match.
However, judging from your on-field personality, you are not usually ostentatious. A player's inner character determines their mentality and how they handle things on and off the pitch. For example, sitting on the bench for a long time during the season, yet maintaining a professional attitude and ambition; after a change of coach, you were always ready, and you shone brightly at the beginning of this season. What did you learn during that period when you lacked playing time?
I learned a lot off the pitch, including patience. I developed a stable routine. I can only control what I can control: training and my life off the pitch, maintaining physical fitness, and sustaining my competitive level, which also fostered self-discipline.
Was that period difficult?
Not easy (laughs).
That's how life is, with ups and downs. When I was at Inter, about seven years into my career, I suddenly had three consecutive months without playing, which was a huge shock. Outsiders find it hard to understand that while you train diligently every day, matches are the moments to showcase yourself and feel a sense of belonging to the team. A long period without playing becomes a psychological battle. You have been playing at the highest level for five years. If you were to give advice to young players, what is the most important thing that sustains your perseverance?
A season without playing feels incredibly long, but even if you can't see a breakthrough, you must continue to train and treat the next match as your opportunity. The key is to always be ready.
Well said, always be ready. I'm always ready (laughs). Manchester United will play Atlético Madrid away. Are you looking forward to it?
Very much so.
The stadium atmosphere is fiery, and the fans are passionate. Does this atmosphere motivate you or make you nervous?
It doesn't affect me much. Before the match starts, when I warm up and hear the huge roar of the fans, I've always used that to feel the stadium atmosphere. In many away games, Manchester United hears boos when they come out to warm up.
What do you usually do before a match? Chat with teammates, wear headphones?
In the Premier League, I don't specifically observe the pitch. In the Champions League, I do, because I've never played on many of those pitches.
Someone once told me, the first time you step onto a new stadium, feel everything fully, and I asked why. He said: Once you actively feel it, it's no longer unfamiliar. On match day, you'll feel more at home. Many players do this, experiencing the pitch beforehand, subconsciously adapting to the environment. You are ready for this challenge.
Of course, always ready.
It was great to meet you, and I wish you all the best. Keep your style. Also, I'm glad you remembered our jersey agreement and kept your word. I appreciate people who keep their promises, and I will keep mine too. I'll bring my treasured original jersey soon.
Okay.
It was great to meet you.
Thank you.
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