Man Utd to wait for transfer window to close before nailing down new Kobbie Mainoo deal
Manchester United are likely to wait until after the summer transfer window before nailing down a new improved contract for rising star Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo underlined his burgeoning talent with the winning goal and a man-of-the-match performance in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City.
The 19-year-old midfielder’s emergence has been one of the big positives of a largely torrid campaign that has left manager Erik ten Hag fearing for his job despite Saturday’s success at Wembley.
Mainoo signed a three-year contract in February last year that ties him to the club until June 2026. United plan to reward Mainoo with a new deal to reflect his growing standing and importance in the team.
But it is understood that the thrust of those conversations are expected to wait until after the summer window closes on Aug 30, given the amount of work United have to do in the meantime trying to reshape the squad – and potentially under a new manager.
The Mainoo camp are thought to be relaxed about the situation and placing no great pressure on the club, with relations strong between both parties.
Mainoo’s existing deal is understood to include a series of in-built triggers around appearances and other factors that have seen his salary increase over the course of the campaign.
Despite suffering an ankle injury in pre-season that saw him miss the first four months of the campaign, Mainoo’s Wembley appearance was his 29th start for the club this term.
Gareth Southgate, the England manager, was in the stands to watch Mainoo excel against City. Mainoo has been included in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 this summer and is expected to make the final cut.
Southgate must decide whether he feels Mainoo is ready to start alongside Declan Rice in central midfield in Germany. England kick off against Serbia on June 16.
Mainoo had already scored big goals against Wolves, Liverpool and Newcastle and his cool finish against City reaffirmed his eye for goal and completed a stunning team move.
