“For INEOS, he’s crucial…” – Fabrizio Romano provides update on Man United contract situation

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on a “crucial” Manchester United player ahead of a potential contract renewal.

United have had a tough season this term, with their latest game against Bournemouth being another disappointing result and performance.

The FA Cup remains the only hope of Erik ten Hag having a positive end to the campaign, however, there have been some bright sparks throughout.

Kobbie Mainoo’s rise has been a particular highlight this term, with the young midfielder emerging as one of the best players in the first-team squad.

Fabrizio Romano has detailed the latest situation with the teenager and an expected new contract that United are in negotiations with him over.

“Yeah, I think Kobbie Mainoo is probably the best news in general of the season for Manchester United. They found the gem. This boy is really special. Even when they are not performing in terms of results, he’s always one of the best players on the pitch,” he told his podcast.

“For Ineos, he’s crucial… to have Kobbie Mainoo as one of the faces of the new project. He’s young, he’s a Manchester United product, he’s really happy at Manchester United because he’s having the chance to play on every single game.

“And so we always see many negatives on Erik ten Hag, but the manager trusted Kobbie Mainoo in a difficult situation.

“And what we can say is that the conversation is already ongoing since February. I already said that in February, I can confirm the Manchester United want to extend this contract.

“It’s not an urgent situation because the contract is still long. So Manchester United are not in a rush to make it happen, but they want to make it happen. They want to offer him a new deal.

“They already had some preliminary discussion with his agents from CAA Stellar. So the conversation is quite positive. Mainoo wants to stay. Manchester United want to give him an important salary to see the player super happy at the club.

“And also Ineos want Kobbie Mainoo to be one of the faces of the present and future project. And many things will have to change at Manchester United in the next months.”