Manchester United have secured the future of one of their most promising young players, Kobbie Mainoo, ending speculation on the future of the English sensation.
Kobbie Mainoo signed his first professional Man United contract during his breakout 2021-22 season at age 17, committing his future to the club until 2027.
The new deal saw the youngster lower down the pecking order of the club’s top earners, with his estimated wage pegged at £25,000 per week.
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old has stunned naysayers with elite-level performances since his big break, and has been deemed a key player in United’s future.
With two years left on his contract, United have reportedly been on the negotiation table with his camp to secure his future beyond 2027.
Initial reports claimed there was little or no progress between the two parties in contract renewal talks, with Mainoo’s camp pushing for improved terms far beyond United’s expectation.
Despite that setback, United interim manager Michael Carrick expressed his optimism recently about United keeping Mainoo. Carrick reiterated that the club is in a ‘good place’ to keep the youngster and were ‘closing in’ on reaching agreement.
Now, according to Manchester Evening News, United have now recorded a major breakthrough in their attempt to keep Mainoo.
The two parties have reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a new five-year contract for the player till 2031. As expected, the new agreement comes with an improved wage offer, estimated at £120,000 per week, marking a significant increase from his previous wage offer.
Notably, Mainoo’s new contract offer also marks a major breakthrough in the player’s career. The United Academy graduate closed in on a career blackout at Old Trafford under former manager Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese tactician considered him unsuitable for his style of play, resulting in his relegation to the bench. With 0 starts under Amorim, there were already speculations of his possible loan switch to Serie A side Napoli.
However, under Carrick, Mainoo has been a regular in United’s starting XI. His pairing with Casemiro in deep-midfield has proved a magical turning point in United’s overall tactics under Carrick, helping the team close in on a return to Champions League football next season.
Overall, Mainoo has made 23 Premier League appearances for Man United this season, providing two assists.
With his Old Trafford future now sorted, United will turn attention to key defender Harry Maguire whose contract expires in the summer. The Red Devils are reportedly open to keeping Maguire on a short-term deal, with an option of extension.
