Manchester United have been trying to agree on a new contract with Kobbie Mainoo for the past year following his breakout during the 2023/24 season.
After a pre-season injury, the breakthough of Kobbie Mainoo was halted slightly but when he finally made his full league debut in November 2024, the teenager was an instant sensation in Erik ten Hag’s midfield.
Mainoo was praised following this performance against Everton as he looked the part immediately, having also impressed in brief opportunties during the 2022/23 season for Manchester United.
Following this, the 19-year-old very quickly become one of the first names on the teamsheet, with Ten Hag lauding Mainoo for his ‘incredible progress’ for United after his first Premier League goal against Wolves.
Mainoo’s stratopsheric rise reached a pinnacle when he scored for United in the FA Cup final, joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho in the record books in the process.
This season has seen Mainoo step backwards with injuries causing him to miss chunks of the campaign, yet when he returns he has showcased the ability and talent that makes him one of the world’s most exciting midfield talents.
But what is the latest with his contract situation?
Latest on Kobbie Mainoo to Manchester United
Despite both parties keen on continuing together and agreeing on a new contract, it has been over a year since talks commenced.
Now, United in Focus have spoken with Graeme Bailey about Mainoo’s future and he makes it clear an agreement is closer than ever.
“I have spoken to sources at the club, and they are more confident than ever that it is going to get done pretty soon. The player wants to stay, and United want him to stay.
“I firmly believe it is going to get done now, the player really doesn’t want to go, but from what I’m hearing, it needs to come from both sides, he has to feel United want him to stay.
“Mainoo’s not reluctant, but he needs to know he’s wanted. United believe that is the case. Was it always? I’m not sure, as United were pushing the idea of him being a PSR sale at one point, that was all from the club, not the player, I can confirm.
“I don’t think it’s far away, and there is a confidence he will stay. Amorim likes the player an awful lot and thinks he can play multiple roles, which he does like a lot.
“It will finally, finally get done, they’ve allowed him to focus on his rehab and getting back, and he’s made an impact. He will be staying.”
When reports emerged over Chelsea wanting to sign Mainoo, it was clear that this would be a decision Ineos would not recover from as the United fanbase would be far from pleased.
Kobbie Mainoo has a big part to play in Manchester United’s future success
Many have forgotten just how good Mainoo is, as his second season in senior football has been a struggle in comparison to his first. The teenager was overplayed by Ten Hag and then went to the Euros before he was straight back into action with United where he was tasked with running non-stop for 90 minutes alongside Casemiro or Christian Eriksen.
This management from Ten Hag was criminal and was running him into the ground but under Amorim this has changed as he is being protected and allowed to return with a light work load.
Mainoo is only 19 and has a big future, but rushing him and overplaying will only end one way as seen with countless other players and a early drop off.
So the 2024/25 season may not have been the progression Mainoo wanted but long term it may have undone a lot of the damage done to him under Ten hag.
Amorim clearly rates Mainoo and is utilising him in a few positions which will aid development. An exciting future awaits him.
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