Manchester United have entered the summer with a clear plan: strengthen the squad, retain key players, and ensure head coach Ruben Amorim has the tools to launch a competitive campaign in his first full season.
The club have already made early strides in the transfer window by completing a £62.5 million deal for Matheus Cunha, the first major signing of the INEOS era.
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But attention is just as focused on who stays at Old Trafford as on who arrives.
Uncertainty continues to surround Bruno Fernandes, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal increasingly confident they can lure him away.
However, behind the scenes, senior figures at United are just as concerned about securing the long-term future of Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo offered assurances of returning to previous role
The 20-year-old midfielder is viewed as one of the club’s most valuable assets, and GiveMeSport sources have revealed that United are currently in talks over a new contract to extend his stay.
Mainoo is currently on £25,000-per-week according to GMS’ report.
Although his deal runs until 2026 with a one-year extension option, the club are keen to tie him down to a longer, improved contract.
Should Mainoo agree to fresh terms, he will reportedly be handed an opportunity to return to his preferred central midfield role.
A key promise from Amorim who previously deployed him in more advanced areas.
According to GMS sources, Manchester United are not actively looking to sell Mainoo, even though he would count as pure profit on the books.
A valuable asset in an FFP-restricted market.
The England international endured injury issues during the 2024/25 season, which limited his game time.
But if he recommits, Mainoo is expected to become one of the first names on Amorim’s team sheet.
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United insiders have made it clear that the club are taking a development-first approach, telling Mainoo they want to build around him rather than sell him.
There is also a specific focus on increasing his physicality and turning him into a faster, stronger and more combative midfielder.
This internal focus has been influenced by the club’s financial difficulties in the transfer market, particularly their struggle to fund a move for Atalanta’s Ederson.
United still value Mainoo at £70 million, but they have no plans to cash in, unless the player pushes for a move.
That remains the only scenario where United could reconsider their stance, sources say.
Chelsea are monitoring the situation closely and could pounce if Mainoo signals that he is ready to leave Old Trafford and take on a new challenge.
Amid all the transfer noise, securing Mainoo’s future could prove to be United’s most important bit of business this summer.
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