Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'put Kobbie Mainoo contract talks on hold'

By Devesh Jaganath | 27 May 2024

Man Utd 'put Kobbie Mainoo contract talks on hold'

Manchester United are reportedly expected to hand Kobbie Mainoo a new contract, but are likely to wait until the summer transfer window closes to make an offer.

Manchester United are expected to hand Kobbie Mainoo a new contract following his heroics in the FA Cup final, but are reportedly likely to wait until the summer transfer window closes to make an offer.

The 19-year-old experienced a breakthrough year at Old Trafford and has emerged as one of the Red Devils' most important players ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Mainoo quickly became a fan favourite after making his Premier League debut against Everton in November and has not looked back since.

His impressive performances this season have earned him his first national team cap and consideration for Gareth Southgate's England squad to compete in Euro 2024 in Germany.

England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on March 23, 2024 © Reuters

Kobbie Mainoo set for new Man United deal

The teenager signed a three-year contract in February of last year, which binds him to the club until June 2026, but United intend to recognise Mainoo's increasing significance and standing within the team by offering him a new and improved deal.

However, according to The Telegraph, the bulk of those discussions are likely to be postponed until after the closure of the summer transfer window on August 30th.

This delay is due to the extensive work United have ahead of them in reshaping the squad, especially considering the possibility of doing so under a new manager, with Erik ten Hag's future still up in the air.

The report adds that the player's entourage is believed to be calm about the situation, with no pressure being exerted from their side.

It is understood that Mainoo's current contract includes several built-in triggers related to appearances and other performance factors, which have already resulted in salary increases throughout the season.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their second goal with Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo on February 4, 2024 © Reuters

Mainoo set for starring role in 2024-25 season

Regardless of the manager for the upcoming season, Man United are preparing a major squad overhaul, which is expected to be built around Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Mainoo himself.

Garnacho and Mainoo made history as the first duo of teenagers to score in the same FA Cup final when the Red Devils overcame the odds to beat Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday,

The Argentine also became the first teenager to score in an FA Cup final since Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Millwall in 2004, while Mainoo etched his name in the history books as the youngest goalscorer in an FA Cup final since West Ham United's John Sissons in 1964.

Mainoo made 32 appearances across all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign and scored five times, including two important goals against Liverpool and Newcastle United.