Manchester United to offer star big contract in show of intent: report

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Erik ten Hag is urging Manchester United to extend another player's contract amidst ongoing negotiations with Kobbie Mainoo over a renewal

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag wants another contract renewal for a youngster (Image credit: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag is pushing Manchester United to tie Willy Kambwala down to improved terms after his superb showing against Liverpool.

There are currently ongoing negotiations with Kobbie Mainoo but now the former Ajax coach, who is impressed by the recent performances of Kambwala, is hoping that the Red Devils look to conclude another contract extension.

Kambwala has started for the club amid their persistent injury setbacks, with the likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans currently sidelined. The 19-year-old has made eight appearances since his Premier League debut against West Ham in December, but it was his performance against the Reds that has Ten Hag hoping for an extension.

Willy Kambwala of Manchester United celebrates after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on December 26, 2023 in Manchester, England

Willy Kambwala has enjoyed a breakout season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Now the club are reportedly poised to offer Kambwala a new contract, after Ten Hag communicated to the club's new leadership, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the significance of Kambwala and his potential, reports HITC.

His current deal ends in June 2025, so the club must act swiftly. Kambwala is believed to be content at the club, though he has had to endure a battle of injuries since his arrival from Sochaux in 2021.

Ten Hag recently told the club media how impressed he has been with the teenager and his displays at Carrington: “The decision to bring Willy in is because he has been a long time training with us and, in his first game against West Ham United, he also did very well, his progress is amazing.

Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais at BT Murrayfield Stadium on July 19, 2023 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the few positives of Man Utd's season (Image credit: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“During training, we didn’t have any doubts and, for instance, we could have also brought Casemiro down and then bring another midfielder in.

“We were convinced he could do the job and he has done brilliant. I am very pleased, very happy and it is another signal and message of the future of Manchester United.”

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United appear to have found a partner for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, while Dortmund want loanee Jadon Sancho permanently. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Arsenal will beat United at Old Trafford this season.  

Jacque Talbot
Jacque Talbot

Jacque Talbot is a freelance football journalist who predominantly specialises in transfer stories and exclusives. He began his career in 2016 covering the world-renowned Sandbach United, of North West Counties fame, before earning a spot on the sports desks of national papers, where he bounced between several outlets such as Sportbible, the Express, Mirror, and Daily Star. An NCTJ graduate of the News Associates who swapped investigative journalism in the Costa del Sol for football reporting in Northern England, he first wrote for FourFourTwo in December 2023.