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Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo is close to signing a new contract with the club.
The Manchester Evening News reported in March that United had opened talks to extend Mainoo’s contract in recognition of his growing importance to the first team.
It’s understood an agreement over a new deal is now close and Mainoo will receive a deserved wage increase when he puts pen to paper.
All parties have been relaxed about Mainoo’s contract situation and there was no rush to accelerate talks earlier in the year. The midfielder was focused on his football and starred for England at the European Championship after scoring in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The youngster signed a long-term contract as recently as February 2023 but enjoyed a breakthrough 2023/24 campaign and will be rewarded with improved terms.
The performance-related bonuses in Mainoo’s current contract have been triggered, which is why there has been no panic from the player’s camp to rush a new deal.
Mainoo’s rise in the last 12 months has been stunning and he is a player United will look to build their midfield around as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to restore the club to former glories.
Stockport-born Mainoo is viewed as a key part of Ratcliffe’s long-term project and the British billionaire praised his ‘remarkable maturity’ ahead of the Euro 2024 final.
Mainoo has started in every Premier League game for United this season and he started in 23 from a possible 25 games after making his full league debut against Everton last term.
The 19-year-old was rewarded for his excellent performances by being included in England’s squad for the Euros and he started in every game after the tournament’s group stage.
Former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate described Mainoo as ‘exceptional’ and said England ‘hadn’t really had a player like him until now’. Mainoo was also called up to the England squad for the current international break by interim manager Lee Carsley but had to withdraw.