Manchester United must agree a new contract with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, without delay.
Kobbie Mainoo is one of the players Manchester United want to build around for years to come – but at the moment he is yet to sign a new deal.
Mainoo’s existing contract expires in June 2027, although United have an option to trigger an extension to June 2028.
Negotiations over an extension have hit a brick wall since they were first discussed in 2024. United want to find an agreement but have so far been unable to do so. Now it is becoming more urgent to get the deal completed.
Here are four important reasons Manchester United to aim to get a deal agreed imminently…
Kobbie Mainoo is under pressure from Adam Wharton in Manchester United’s 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in 2026.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo has done his part, he has earned an extension
Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim clearly had doubts about Kobbie Mainoo, which were totally ill-founded. It took Mainoo only 90 minutes under Michael Carrick to prove him wrong.
Mainoo has been an ever-present starter under Carrick. He has showcased his ability, his fitness, and the balance he brings to the Manchester United midfield.
At just 20-years-old, Mainoo has played 94 first team games for United. He will hit the 100 mark before the season is over. Mainoo will then become one of the youngest players to reach this figure for United, joining a list led by Norman Whiteside and also boasting Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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It’s not just about the numbers, it’s what we see with our eyes. Mainoo is a special talent who has earned his place in the team, and Manchester United cannot afford to lose him.
How worried are you about Kobbie Mainoo not yet signing a new contract?
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
The longer United delay, the weaker the leverage
We had really hoped Manchester United would have agreed a long-term deal with Mainoo by this stage. The past bumpy year for the player has not provided an ideal backdrop for negotiations – until now.
United are on track to qualify for the Champions League in 2026/27, demonstrating to Mainoo that the club is moving in the right direction again.
With effectively two years remaining on Mainoo’s deal, United still have a negotiating position. This gets weaker and weaker with time.
United cannot afford for this to drag into 2027 when Mainoo will only have one year left on his deal. By that point, the club could end up vastly overpaying in terms of wages due to pure desperation.
Waiting until after the World Cup could backfire
The upcoming international break is the perfect time to sit down with Mainoo’s advisors and thrash out an agreement.
Waiting until after the World Cup could backfire on United if Mainoo gets a call-up to the tournament, which he deserves on current form.
Mainoo can enhance his reputation, add to his value, and generate extra interest from clubs trying to turn his head or make tempting offers for his agents. United need to avoid this happening.
What is YOUR verdict on Kobbie Mainoo’s performance for Man Utd vs Palace?
Kobbie Mainoo stats vs Palace
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A message to new midfield signings
Manchester United will be losing Casemiro when his deal expires this summer. And this means a big investment is expected on new midfield signings.
United need clarity on Mainoo’s situation ahead of this planned splash, and so do the summer transfer targets.
Playing alongside Mainoo should be a major attraction for players. They will want to know that Mainoo’s future is secure, and that he won’t be leaving on a free transfer in two years time.
United signing Mainoo to a new long-term deal would be an important message to send ahead of the transfer window, and could make the recruitment team’s task even easier.
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