Michael Carrick’s appointment may have saved Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career just in time. Having failed to start a single Premier League game under Ruben Amorim, the young midfielder was restored to the line-up for last week’s derby win—delivering a statement performance that has fast-tracked negotiations for a vastly improved new contract.
There was a time not long ago when there were serious doubts over the future of Kobbie Mainoo. That was mostly due to how it appeared as though the England international was not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, after losing his place in the line-up.
Amorim settled on a double pivot with a preference for Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, but the arrival of Michael Carrick as head coach has seen United revert to a back four system with three central midfielders, including Bruno Fernandes in his preferred number 10 role.
However, with Casemiro departing at the end of the season, it’s time for United to make plans for the midfield.
What is your INSTANT REACTION to the news Casemiro will leave Man Utd at the end of 2025/26?
Do you think this is the right decision, and how do you feel about the timing of the announcement?
Casemiro exit
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
There is already lots of speculation over which players could arrive as United try to revamp the midfield department.
After a dramatic change in circumstances, it now seems like Mainoo will be part of United’s midfield for many years to come.
Kobbie Mainoo at Carrington
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo about to enter talks over new Man Utd deal
Mainoo remains one of the lowest-paid players in United’s first team squad, but with 18 months remaining on his current deal, it’s time for the club to consider a new deal.
More United News
There has been a dramatic change in the mood surrounding Mainoo over the past two weeks. It wasn’t long ago that it seemed like he was becoming an outcast, but now there’s rekindled hope about his potential to be a star in United’s midfield.
According to Sky Sports, United are keen to tie down Mainoo to a vastly improved deal.
There has been initial contact with Mainoo’s representatives, with a plan to sit down and discuss the details of a new and improved contract.
A new deal for Mainoo will likely see the 20-year-old earn a contract with wages that are more in line with his teammates and his standing at the club.
United have an option to extend Mainoo’s current deal by 12 months, but United fans will hope to see him put pen to paper over a new deal before then.
This means Mainoo will get a chance to put his spell under Amorim behind him at Old Trafford.
Should Kobbie Mainoo be an automatic starter under Michael Carrick now?
Kobbie Mainoo only needed 90 minutes to prove Ruben Amorim wrong!
Stats graphic
Stats: SkySports, picture: Getty
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It remains to be seen which midfielders United will target to join Mainoo in the team next season.
Kobbie Mainoo’s performance against Man Utd in numbers
Mainoo’s performance against City was incredible, considering it was his first start of the season, coming in January.
It begs the question why Amorim didn’t try to utilise Mainoo to get the most out of the youngster.
Here are some of Mainoo’s most impressive stats from United’s 2-0 win over City.
2/3 aerial duels won
91% pass accuracy
31 passes completed
100% success long balls
Three tackles
Two interceptions
Two ball recoveries
4/9 ground duels won
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox