Kobbie Mainoo has seen his Manchester United career rejuvenated by Michael Carrick after falling out of favour during Ruben Amorim's tenure, all amid uncertainty over his long-term future
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at London Stadium on February 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo's contract expires in 2027(Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the stars of Michael Carrick's budding tenure at Manchester United. But despite his newfound status as a nailed-on starter, his long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Mainoo, 20, rejected a contract offer from United around this time last year, with Ruben Amorim having then recently been appointed. As Amorim's tumultuous spell in charge continued, the midfielder fell increasingly out of favour.
Until Amorim was sacked by the Red Devils in January, Mainoo hadn't made a single start in the Premier League this season. The United academy graduate was heavily linked with a departure in the winter transfer window, and Italian giants Napoli were known admirers after failing to land Mainoo in the summer.
After Carrick was named interim manager, Mainoo was immediately reinstated and has started all six games under his new boss. But this summer, when he could be playing for England at the World Cup, he'll have entered the final 12 months of his current deal - and talks over a renewal are yet to be reopened.
That's according to the Sun, who add that Mainoo remains keen to stay at Old Trafford. United intend to renew his contract but they haven't formally engaged with his representatives since talks broke down last year.
Crucially, the Red Devils have the option to extend Mainoo's deal by an extra year until 2028. However, the 10-time England international is hoping to earn a new contract which would represent a significant improvement of his relatively modest £25,000-a-week wages.
As we approach the summer, United won't want to clubs sniffing around Mainoo and turning his head. Chelsea and Bayern Munich have previously been linked with the 20-year-old, who signed professional terms with United in 2023.
The Red Devils are already set to be one midfielder down when the summer transfer window opens, as Casemiro has confirmed that he'll be leaving upon the expiry of his contract in June. And if Carrick gets the job permanently, there's no doubt that he'll want Mainoo in his squad.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United on the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo has been targeted by multiple clubs(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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"I've known Kobbie a long time," Carrick told BBC Sport ahead of Monday's 1-0 win away to Everton. "I started working with him when I think he was 13 or 14, when I was starting to do my coaching badges - a good few years ago.
"Just little bits he told. And then, obviously, when I was here the first time, he was in and around a little bit. So, I think knowing him and having experience with him and seeing him perform at such a level on such big occasions...
"I said earlier about coaches being able to cope with being here and at the level to deal with it. What Kobbie's done at such a young age is quite incredible really."
Mainoo will be hoping to further his case for a new deal when United host Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Red Devils are looking to make it seven games unbeaten since Carrick's appointment.