Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United want to open contract talks with midfielder
Interim manager Darren Fletcher started the 20-year-old in the FA Cup third round defeat by Brighton this month and Mainoo kept his place for Michael Carrick’s first game in charge as United beat Manchester City convincingly in last weekend’s derby.
Carrick first came across Mainoo towards the end of his time as a player with the club.
“This club needs young players coming through,” said Carrick.
“They are the foundation of the club – they understand what it means – and for the supporters as well.
“It’s something we need to keep building on and Kobbie is a prime example.
“I was working with him at 13 or 14 when I was doing my (coaching) badges.
“To come through so quickly, have such a rapid rise and play in some big games at such a young age shows a lot of quality in terms of his character and being able to handle it.”
Mainoo signed a contract in 2023, but it was thought a new deal would be agreed after his goalscoring contribution to United’s 2024 FA Cup final win over City, which was followed by his starting England’s Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain.
However, there was no agreement, and the treatment he received following Amorim’s arrival left the Mainoo camp wondering whether United value him.