Man United make Kobbie Mainoo extension a priority with six-year deal planned

Manchester United are reportedly close to finalizing a long-term contract extension for teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, securing the midfielder’s future at Old Trafford until June 2031.

The new deal has been a “priority” for the club’s leadership following Mainoo’s meteoric rise and his emergence as a cornerstone of the first team under manager Michael Carrick.

Negotiations for the extension have been ongoing since January, reflecting the club’s desire to reward the 20-year-old for his exceptional performances over the past year.

Since returning to the lineup following earlier injury concerns, Mainoo has established himself as a “key player” in Carrick’s tactical setup, earning plaudits for his composure, press-resistance, and technical maturity.

The proposed six-year agreement is seen as a strategic move to fend off interest from other European giants and align Mainoo’s wages with his status as one of the Premier League’s elite young talents.

The commitment to a deal lasting until 2031 underscores the new sporting direction at Manchester United, which focuses on building around a core of homegrown talent.

Mainoo, who has also become a regular fixture in the England national team, is viewed as the face of the club’s midfield for the next decade.

Club sources indicate that the final details of the contract, which includes significant performance-related bonuses, are being polished, with an official announcement expected before the conclusion of the current season.

With United currently pushing for a top-four finish and silverware, securing the youngster’s future provides a boost to the squad and the fans alike.

Under Ruben Amorim, Kobbie Mainoo’s role was significantly diminished, as he was often seen as “emergency cover” for Bruno Fernandes and managed just 380 minutes across 14 appearances.

Amorim was notably hesitant to pair Mainoo with Casemiro in midfield, leading to the 20-year-old failing to start a single Premier League match during the first half of the 2025/26 season.

Since Michael Carrick took interim charge in January 2026, Mainoo’s fortunes have completely reversed; he has started all 10 matches and played virtually every available minute.

This resurgence under Carrick has also led to an international comeback, with the midfielder receiving his first England national team call-up in over 18 months for the March 2026 fixtures.