Manchester United's midfield is set for a shake-up following an update regarding Kobbie Mainoo's future at the club
Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo and Michael Carrick walk off after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City
Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United has changed immensely over the past week(Image: Getty)
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A bright start to life under Michael Carrick has given Manchester United fresh hope for what to expect from the second half of the season. United rallied to a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City in Carrick's debut as interim boss, where several stars stood out in particular.
Kobbie Mainoo was among those who impressed as he enjoyed his best display of the campaign to date. Not that he had set a particularly high bar after being largely shunned under Carrick's predecessor, Ruben Amorim.
The youngster's absence from the starting XI has seen him widely linked with the exit after contract talks hit an impasse. And there's fresh news over the player's situation as his future begins to take shape.
With a week left in the January transfer window, United's chances to improve the squad are quickly running out. And Mirror Football takes a look at the top headlines revolving around Old Trafford as the winter market enters its most hectic phase.
Kobbie Mainoo future clarified
After not long ago looking destined for the Old Trafford exit, Mainoo's prospects have transformed altogether under Carrick's stewardship. And after just one game with the Champions League-winner in charge, the club are ready to open talks with their 20-year-old midfield gem.
Mainoo's current deal is due to expire in 2027, though United have the option to extend that by a further 12 months. That being said, his salary is minuscule when compared with some of his team-mates, earning a relatively meagre £25,000 a week.
Sky Sports News reported the player's wage will be brought more on par with the squad average if he signs new terms. That should help stave off any ambition the player may have of leaving after understandably becoming disillusioned with his prospects under Amorim.
Having failed to start a single league fixture under Amorim this season, Mainoo made a timely comeback at home to City last weekend. And the England international showed the fired boss exactly what he was missing in an iconic result for the Reds.
Mainoo was being linked with the likes of Napoli and Chelsea as recently as this month, but any chance of an exit now seems far less likely. And it seems the more he's given a chance to shine under Carrick, Mainoo may only continue to raise questions as to why Amorim was so reluctant to play him.
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Casemiro attracting widespread interest
On the same day that it emerged United were ready to move ahead in talks with Mainoo, Casemiro announced he'll depart at the end of this season. The Brazil veteran has confirmed he'll be leaving this summer despite the option for an extra year, and he won't be short of suitors, it seems.
"I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life," said the South American on Thursday. “From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.
Manchester United's Casemiro waves to the crowd
Casemiro's departure could also influence Mainoo's future and United's desire to keep the youngster(Image: PA)
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"It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed."
And that winning mentality is precisely what's attracting a list of admirers as he prepares for free agency. The Daily Mail report Major League Soccer giant LA Galaxy are one such suitor, while clubs in Saudi Arabia and home country Brazil are also understood to be registering interest.
MLS could be of particular interest given franchises are exploring their opportunities to capitalise on the FIFA World Cup boom. However, teams in Brazil and the US would struggle to match the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia, with Casemiro currently United's top earner on £375,000 a week.