Manchester United are ready to move “at speed” to secure the long-term future of Kobbie Mainoo, with a high-level meeting scheduled for late March to finalize a lucrative new contract extension.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who was famously frozen out during Ruben Amorim’s brief and “prickly” tenure, has undergone a total transformation under interim boss Michael Carrick. Now, the club hierarchy is determined to reward his resurgence and fend off interest from European giants like Napoli.
The ‘Amorim Shadow’ Lifted
The report pulls no punches regarding the previous regime, labeling Amorim’s decision to ignore Mainoo as “bizarre.”
- The Stat: Mainoo did not start a single Premier League game under Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
- The Turnaround: Under Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, Mainoo has been “reborn,” forming a balanced and dominant midfield trio alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
Contract Details: A Well-Deserved Raise
While Mainoo is contracted until 2027 (with an option for 2028), his current salary is still reflective of his status when he first broke into the senior squad in 2023.
- The Discrepancy: He remains one of the lowest-paid members of the senior squad despite being a guaranteed starter.
- The New Offer: United are prepared to offer “significantly improved terms” that reflect his status as a cornerstone of the INEOS project.
World Cup Ambitions
The timing of the meeting—scheduled for the March international break is strategic. Mainoo’s lack of minutes under Amorim saw him fall out of favor with England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Now back in scintillating form, Mainoo is pushing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad. A new deal at Old Trafford would solidify his position as the “face of the future” for both club and country.
The Midfield Overhaul
With Casemiro departing this summer and Manuel Ugarte potentially following him out the door, United are planning a massive rebuild. While targets like Elliot Anderson are being monitored, the club’s leadership views “locking down” Mainoo as more important than any new signing.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
