Louis Saha has claimed that one of Manchester United’s current stars has not done enough to deserve a new contract amid reports.
Manchester United have won back-to-back games against Manchester City and Arsenal in Michael Carrick’s first two games in charge.
The performances were both impressive as United earned six points despite playing against the two top teams in the Premier League.
Kobbie Mainoo started in both of those fixtures and stood out despite barely getting any game-time beforehand under Ruben Amorim.
The midfielder shined against City and then grabbed the assist for Matheus Cunha’s winner at the Emirates Stadium on the weekend.
Saha: United star hasn’t ‘done enough’ to deserve new contract
Mainoo’s reintroduction to the team has reminded many fans of his abilities and there is now even talk of contract negotiations restarting between the club and player.
While the 20-year-old still has two years remaining on his current deal, United will want to protect his value and tie him down to a long-term contract. Mainoo is also still earning £20,000-a-week and will want a wage in line with his squad status.
But ex-United forward Louis Saha does not believe that there should be contract talks between Mainoo and United. He instead thinks that Mainoo has to prove more before being rewarded with a new deal.
He told Gambling.com: “Why are they thinking about contract extension, moving away, looking at McTominay’s career or whatever? It’s wrong. Just play, just play, just play, improve every day. It’s two games, that’s not enough.”
“He needs to score maybe 10 goals and then be the main man in midfield with Casemiro, and then people will give him the contract he wants.”
Carrick will keep playing Mainoo
Mainoo’s biggest issues over the last 18 months have been game-time and the system under Amorim. Both of those things have changed now.
Not only have United changed head coach, but Carrick has come in and the ex-midfielder loves Mainoo as a player. He will keep getting chances going forward.
While Saha might be right that the last two games aren’t enough for Mainoo, you canot really talk much about any other games as he was rarely given a chance.
Those have been Mainoo’s only two starts in the Premier League this season, which seems insane. If he can keep his performance levels high going forwards, people will start to remember how talented he is again.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.