Bruno Fernandes has expressed his delight at Kobbie Mainoo signing a long-term contract with Manchester United, insisting the club could not afford to lose a player of his calibre. The 21-year-old midfielder, who turned 21 last month, has experienced a turbulent career at Old Trafford under three different managers.
Erik ten Hag introduced Mainoo to the first team as a teenager, and he quickly impressed enough to earn an England call-up early in his senior career. However, after Rúben Amorim replaced Ten Hag, Mainoo fell down the pecking order and appeared destined for an exit. A loan move to Napoli was mooted, but Amorim's dismissal in January changed his fortunes. Interim manager Michael Carrick restored faith in the academy graduate, who is now a regular starter and back in the England squad ahead of this summer's World Cup.
Mainoo has now committed his future to United until 2031, a move that has thrilled captain Fernandes. Speaking to Sky Sports, Fernandes said: 'When he came to the first team he had to play straight away and not everyone was expecting that. Then he had a period when he was playing a little bit left and he was a little bit in the shadow and everyone forgot a little bit about him. But not us. We knew what we had in the house. We knew that Kobbie had things to improve and could be better. He was good in the time he was not playing to try to become better, try to improve. He was always very professional during the period when he was not playing. We have nothing to say about that. Now because he was doing the right things when he was not playing he is getting his credit and he is getting his flowers again. He well deserves his new contract. The club couldn't afford to lose a player like him.'
Upon signing his new deal, Mainoo said: 'Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family. I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt. From The Cliff, to Littleton Road, to Carrington and ultimately Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible. I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six. We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.'
