Kobbie Mainoo’s current contract at Old Trafford is likely to be extended by Manchester United, as transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano exclusively tells GIVEMESPORT that the midfield player may serve as the focal point of the team’s upcoming initiative.

The Red Devils had a challenging 2023–24 season and, following a poor performance in the Premier League, it seems doubtful that they will qualify for the Champions League the following season.

Recently, Man Utd saw a minority buyout from INEOS, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s chairman, hopes to steer the team towards a more promising future. This semester, Mainoo’s ascent from the academy has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

England’s Kobbie Mainoo in action.
Man Utd is attempting to keep Mainoo under contract.
Erik ten Hag gave Mainoo his Manchester United debut in November 2023, and he has since had an incredible breakout season. The Red Devils headed to a hostile Goodison Park to play Everton, and the midfielder was pushed into the deep end. His status as a regular in the centre of the field for United was solidified with a comfortable performance in a 3-0 victory over the Toffees.

Since then, the 19-year-old—whom Anton Ferdinand labelled “unbelievable”—has established himself as a constant presence in the midfield, alongside players like Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. The young player, who has shown he is one of the most reliable members of a struggling team, may be a front-runner for the club’s Player of the Season award.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: In his first 24 Manchester United games, Mainoo has already scored three goals.

As Mainoo’s season has progressed, Gareth Southgate awarded him his first two England caps in March during friendly at Wembley Stadium against Brazil and Belgium. The adolescent made an impression on both occasions, and there’s a good chance he’ll be called up to the Three Lions team that leaves for Germany in June for EURO 2024.

After initial talks in February, it has been reported that Manchester United is attempting to extend Mainoo’s contract. The academy product would earn a pay rise and many benefits as part of an agreement with INEOS that would make him one of the faces of the new initiative.

Kobbie Mainoo’s numbers during the previous 365 days in comparison to midfielders around Europe

Statistics

As for 90

The percentile

Objectives without penalties

0.12

76

Pass the final exam.

84.7% of the sample

59

Effective attacks

1.10

77

Attacks

2.25

65

Interceptions

1.10

62

Verifications

1.83

80

Aerial combat prevailed.

1.03

61

In ‘good’ talks with Mainoo, Fabrizio Romano of Manchester United
According to Romano, Manchester United and Mainoo’s agents are having “positive” talks as the Red Devils try to sign their most sought-after youth player. The twenty-time English champions are optimistic that a deal will be made. Romano revealed to GIVEMESPORT exclusively:

Since the beginning, Mainoo has been trusted by Man Utd and Erik ten Hag, and he is now an important player for them. Thus, the discussion is constructive. It’s a constructive talk regarding the wage, which he has addressed with his representatives. That being said, I believe it will happen and Manchester United has a lot of confidence in their ability to make it happen. Therefore, I believe Mainoo will be a key figure in Manchester United’s upcoming endeavour.

Shea Lacey is’ready to move up’ to first team action, according to Man Utd.
Journalist Ben Jacobs recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT (18 April) that Manchester United believes academy graduate Shea Lacey is prepared to make the jump to the first team, in addition to Mainoo. After battling an injury since October 2023, the winger made an impression while playing for younger teams and is currently practicing with the senior team.

With the club’s current season winding down, it remains to be seen if ten Hag gives Lacey minutes in the last weeks of the campaign. When the Red Devils play Championship team Coventry City in a semi-final on April 21, they will be hoping to advance to the FA Cup final.