Manchester United are preparing to reopen contract negotiations with highly rated midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as the club looks to secure his long-term future and bring his salary in line with those of established first-team players.
Mainoo’s current deal runs until 2027 and includes an option for an additional year, but no formal talks have taken place since he signed his long-term contract in 2023. Sources close to the situation say it remains unclear how receptive the 20-year-old will be to a new agreement, particularly after a period of uncertainty surrounding his role at the club.
The England international had expressed a desire to leave on loan last summer in search of regular first-team football. That frustration has carried into the current campaign, with Mainoo yet to start a Premier League match under former manager Ruben Amorim and reportedly exploring the possibility of a loan move during the January transfer window.
Circumstances changed following Amorim’s departure, with Mainoo quickly reintegrated into the senior squad. Interim manager Darren Fletcher handed him a start in the FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton earlier this month, and the midfielder retained his place for Michael Carrick’s first match in charge, as United secured an emphatic derby victory over Manchester City.
Read also:
- Manchester United negotiate deal with Paraguyan Diego Leon
- Manchester United destroys Barnsley 7-0, as Rashford, Garnacho, Eriksen shine in record-breaking win
- Erik Ten Hag dismisses excuses amid Manchester United’s struggles, vows to keep winning
Mainoo’s long-term future had been expected to be resolved last year after his standout performances at club and international level. He scored in United’s 2024 FA Cup final triumph over City and went on to start for England in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, performances that significantly boosted his profile.
Despite those achievements, a new deal was not agreed, and sources say the handling of Mainoo following Amorim’s arrival raised doubts within his camp over how highly he is valued at Old Trafford.
With renewed interest in contract talks, United hope to reassure one of their most promising homegrown talents and avoid further uncertainty over his future as the club looks to rebuild around younger players.
