From the Bench to Renewal: Manchester United Re-ignites Mainoo’s Contract Talk
23 January 2026
Mainoo's Renewal Talks Heat Up at Manchester United
Manchester United is ready to resume talks with young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, seeking a new deal that would bring his salary and status in line with the club's established first-team players.
His current contract runs until 2027, with a one-year option. No discussions have taken place recently, and it remains unclear how open Mainoo is to signing, especially after his public wish to leave on loan last summer.
The failure of former coach Ruben Amorim to hand Mainoo a regular Premier League role this season has been a major source of frustration for United fans.
Earlier this month, Mainoo hoped for a loan move during the current window, but since Amorim's departure he has been reintegrated into the starting XI.
Caretaker Darren Fletcher handed him a starting spot in the FA Cup third round against Brighton, and Mainoo has kept his place in Carrick's early matches, helping United to a convincing Manchester derby win over City at the start of the week.
Carrick has known Mainoo since the boy's days in the academy. He told BBC that this club must promote young players; they are the lifeblood of the club, and Kobbie is the prime example of that. 'I worked with him when he was 13 or 14 during my coaching badges,' he said.
He added that developing so quickly and playing big matches at a young age shows his character and ability to handle pressure.
Mainoo signed his first pro contract in 2023. It was expected to be followed by a new deal after his goal in the 2024 FA Cup final against City and his starting role for England in Euro 2024. Yet no agreement was reached, and questions followed about the club's real valuation of him after Amorim's arrival.
A Bright Path Ahead, Despite the Uncertainty
As the club navigates academy promotion and balancing short-term needs with long-term potential, Mainoo's future at Old Trafford remains a focal point for supporters and analysts alike.
For now, United appear intent on keeping the door open for a homegrown star who has grown into a potential cornerstone of the squad, should negotiations regain steam in the coming weeks.
Punchlines: 1) If contracts were goals, Kobbie Mainoo would already have a hat-trick. 2) United’s renewal talks age like a fine wine—better with every season, and I’m still waiting for my contract to mature.
