Manchester United have been pushed into a swift reassessment of their midfield plans, with the club reopening contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo following Casemiro’s announcement that he will leave Old Trafford.
The veteran Brazilian’s impending departure has sharpened internal focus on securing the future of the club’s emerging core, and Mainoo now sits firmly at the centre of that thinking.
United’s hierarchy had previously adopted a cautious stance on negotiations, mindful of financial pressures and broader squad restructuring.
However, Casemiro’s exit has underlined the risk of losing experience and leadership in the middle of the pitch, prompting a renewed determination to protect one of the club’s most valuable young assets.
Mainoo’s current deal runs until 2027 and includes a 12 month option, yet his salary remains below the level of several established first team players.
The timing of the u turn also reflects a shift in mood around the club following managerial changes. Mainoo is understood to feel more optimistic about his role at United after Ruben Amorim was dismissed and Michael Carrick appointed caretaker manager.
Carrick’s arrival has been interpreted internally as a return to principles that value academy graduates and long term squad building.
Before taking the role, Carrick made his stance on Mainoo clear, saying: “For a club to have a player that’s come through the academy and knows it, Man United’s got to have an element of that. Always has done, always should do.
“To have a talent like that, as he’s shown already, you’ve got to have players like that. They get it, they know it, let’s build around them. There’s definitely a place for him there for sure.”
With Casemiro heading out and uncertainty surrounding other midfield options, United now view Mainoo not merely as a prospect, but as a cornerstone.
Fresh talks are expected to focus on improved terms that reflect his growing influence and signal the club’s commitment to building the next phase of their rebuild around homegrown quality.
