Man United star set for new contract as Wayne Rooney names player of the season

Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo is set for a new contract at Manchester United, but he’s not the player Wayne Rooney believes has been the best this term.

Mainoo, 18, has emerged as a key first-team player for Erik ten Hag this season despite not making his full Premier League debut until November.

The teenager is oozing with talent and ability, making it an expected development that United are planning to tie him down to a new deal at Old Trafford.

According to reports from the Mirror, discussions have already begun between the player and club over new terms which would keep him at the club until 2030.

It was added that the new deal’s base wage would be around £60,000 per week, but a series of triggers—if activated–would eventually make Mainoo one of the club’s best earners.

Mainoo played yet another solid game against Everton on the weekend, although it was fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho who made the difference on the day.

The Argentine winger won two penalties, which were both converted by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, in the 2-0 win over The Toffees.

He has been one of the few consistent starters across this season, developing from his role as the super substitute last term.

Wayne Rooney was on punditry duty for the game and was full of praise for Garnacho afterwards, claiming that the 19-year-old has been a strong contender for the club’s Player of the Season award.

“I think you find with young players when they pick the ball up, they’re always very direct but that works really well for him [Garnacho] so often,” Rooney told TNT Sports. “It’s sloppy from Godfrey to give the penalty away but for me today, it was Garnacho who was the one that made everything happen today. He was the best player on the pitch.

“His work rate off the ball is fantastic, he’s never afraid to put the work in. He’s going to make mistakes; every player does, especially at his age.

“But he’s still learning and what he has got is a drive and hunger, which is something that any fan wants to see in any player. So I’ve been really impressed with him this season and he’ll be a talent for the future.

“I think his output can get better, he’s got the capability to do that so hopefully over the next few years, we’ll see those go up but he’s probably been Manchester United’s best player this season.”