Manchester United are trying to sign Kobbie Mainoo on a new, longer-term contract, following difficulties when Rúben Amorim was in charge.
Since Michael Carrick has returned to the Manchester United dugout – for his second temporary stint in charge of his former club – Kobbie Mainoo has been crucial to the playstyle, playing alongside Casemiro in central midfield.
Mainoo’s improved athleticism has helped United improve the out-of-possession approach, something that was often a big issue under Rúben Amorim. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes regularly found themselves responsible for covering too much ground in midfield, but the change to the midfield three, with Mainoo, has helped massively.
In possession, Mainoo has improved his game since Amorim exiled him to the bench. As well as his close dribbling and delicate, quick passing combinations – which all remain prevalent – Mainoo has added a longer-range pass to his artillery, helping United’s transitional approach, which has been a key theme under Carrick.
With Casemiro set to leave in the summer, securing Mainoo to a new contract has become ever more important. The England international’s current Manchester United deal is believed to expire in 2027, but there is also a one-year extension option.
Mainoo’s contract “issues”
Towards the end of last summer, Mainoo asked to leave Old Trafford on a loan deal for the season, with Napoli believed to be the highest suitors. But United turned down the deal, so Mainoo could feature for Amorim, although he actually played very rarely, failing to start under the Portuguese boss in the Premier League this season.
Before Amorim’s sacking in January, Mainoo appeared to ask for another loan move, but without Amorim in charge anymore, Mainoo appears much happier at United.
Now, though, the Daily Mail have reported that Mainoo has some “lingering issues” that could hamper any contract negotiations in the near future.
Mainoo agreed to a compromise on his new United contract, but failed to hear back from the hierarchy until after Amorim had been sacked following the 1-1 draw against Leeds United on January 4.
Premier League rivals and European clubs are said to be “monitoring” the ongoing contract situation, which could go on until the start of next season if Mainoo is recalled to the England squad for the World Cup.
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United must keep Mainoo at Old Trafford
In years gone by, several impressive academy talents have the club and gone on to impress elsewhere: James Garner at Everton, Angel Gomes at LOSC Lille, Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace, Scott McTominay at Napoli, and, of course, Marcus Rashford at Barcelona.
Unlike the rest on that list, Rashford is only on loan at Barcelona, but recent reports suggest that he will do everything he can to remain in Catalonia. With 10 goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances, it seems as if Barcelona will also want to keep Rashford at the club.
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If Mainoo had been allowed to leave on loan in the summer or in January, he would be in a very similar situation, as his quality is clear for all to see. In fact, he seems like a player who hasn’t come through Carrington, but instead the ranks of La Masia in Spain.
Carrington has always produced brilliant talent, but very few like Mainoo.
As such, it would be a huge blow for United to lose Mainoo, especially when the decision is in their hands.
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