Kobbie Mainoo was overlooked and isolated under Ruben Amorim, but Michael Carrick’s appointment has given him a new lease of life.
One of Ruben Amorim’s biggest mistakes as Manchester United head coach was his reluctance to trust Kobbie Mainoo in his starting XI.
The Portuguese head coach repeatedly said that Mainoo was behind Bruno Fernandes in the midfield pecking order.
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But since Amorim’s sacking, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick have found a way to get both United stars into the same side.
Carrick heaped praise on Mainoo for his performance in United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. The 20-year-old is back in the team and impressing, and that gives Ineos a golden opportunity between now and the end of the season.
Kobbie Mainoo running in action for Manchester United.
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Ineos must reignite Kobbie Mainoo contract talks
As things stand, Mainoo’s contract will expire in 2027, but he is easily one of United’s most valuable assets.
Carrick wants to build a team around Mainoo, and the Carrington graduate played the full 90 minutes against City on the weekend.
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Now that Mainoo is back in the picture at United, Ineos must reignite contract talks with him and his team as soon as possible.
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Kobbie Mainoo in action during a first-team Manchester United training session at the Carrington training complex in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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United were in negotiations with Mainoo over a new deal earlier this season, but talks broke down after reports that Mainoo wanted £200,000 per week.
Now that Mainoo can see a future at United, now is a good time to reopen talks. Extending his stay at Old Trafford would be a positive boost for all involved.
Man United can secure Kobbie Mainoo’s prime years
Under Amorim, it was appearing more and more likely that Mainoo would leave the club.
The Red Devils have sold academy players and lived to regret it in recent years. The best example is Scott McTominay, who is now thriving at Napoli.
Mainoo is a once-in-a-generation talent that has come up through United’s academy ranks, and Carrick is right to suggest that a team should be built around him.
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He is still only 20 years old and yet has experience on the biggest stages in football. He starred in the Euro final for England and the FA Cup final for United.
It is important that Ineos stick to their wage structure, but a new contract for Mainoo should be a top priority between now and the end of the season.
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