Kobbie Mainoo Nearing New Manchester United Deal, Says Michael Carrick
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has revealed that negotiations for a new contract with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo are progressing positively, indicating that a deal is imminent. The 20-year-old's current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but the club is keen to secure his long-term future with improved terms.
Significant Salary Increase Expected
Mainoo is expected to see a substantial rise in his weekly earnings, with reports suggesting his new contract could be worth around £120,000 per week. This marks a dramatic increase from his current salary, which is estimated to be in the region of £25,000 per week. The new deal reflects his growing importance to the team and his impressive performances under Carrick's management.
"It's getting closer, so we're positive about that," Carrick stated during a recent press conference. "We're calm with it, but we're positive with it and time will tell how it goes. But at the moment, we are in a good place."
Remarkable Turnaround for Mainoo
If Mainoo signs the new contract, it will represent a remarkable turnaround in his career at Manchester United. Under previous manager Ruben Amorim, Mainoo had fallen out of favour, despite having scored in United's 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May 2024 and shining for England during the European Championship that summer. This season, after not starting in the league under Amorim, Mainoo has become an ever-present figure under Carrick, leading to a recall to the England national team.
Carrick's Focus on Champions League Qualification
Carrick also addressed United's ambitions for the season, particularly their pursuit of Champions League qualification. The team is set to host Leeds United in a crucial match, and Carrick emphasized the importance of finishing as high as possible in the league standings.
"I wouldn't accept it, no," Carrick responded when asked if failing to qualify for the Champions League would be deemed acceptable. "But it's not so much accepting it, it's about trying to finish as high as you possibly can. We'll see how we get on."
Unexpected Managerial Change
Carrick's appointment as manager came unexpectedly after Amorim was sacked following United's visit to Leeds on January 4. Amorim's dismissal came in the aftermath of his explosive post-match comments, and Carrick, who was on holiday in Barbados at the time, admitted he did not foresee taking over the team.
"I watched the games but there wasn't really any sign of it at that stage, so I was supporting from afar and enjoying time with the family," Carrick explained. "That's why we can never take anything for granted and why you live in the present and keep trying to improve."
Team News for Upcoming Match
In team news, Lisandro Martínez is expected to return to the starting lineup for the match against Leeds, taking the place of the suspended Harry Maguire. Martínez last featured in the 1-1 draw at West Ham on February 10 due to a calf problem, and his return will be a boost for United's defense as they aim to strengthen their Champions League qualification hopes.
