Manchester United have blown hot and cold this season but securing one teenage superstar is a good sign from Sir Jim Ratcliffe
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Manchester United are poised to make a crucial deal for a young superstar.
The Red Devils' testing season continued on the south coast the weekend in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. Despite rivals dropping points, Manchester United couldn't capitalise on their position in their table and collect a win, with Erik ten Hag storming out of a press conference at the end of the game.
Off the field, however, United are looking to overhaul their side, with several important moves being made.
Erik ten Hag had another tough weekend (Image credit: Getty Images)
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Kobbie Mainoo is in talks over a new contract, with discussions described as “positive”.
“It’s crucial for INEOS to have Kobbie Mainoo as one of the faces of the new project,” the Italian journalist claimed on the Here We Go podcast.
“He is younger, he is a Manchester United product. He is really happy at Manchester United because he has the chance to play every single game. We see so many negatives with Erik ten Hag but he clearly trusted Kobbie Mainoo in a difficult situation.”
Kobbie Mainoo could be set for an improved contract (Image credit: Getty Images)
Mainoo has been touted for a move to Real Madrid but with Los Blancos stocked in midfield, that could be a non-starter. In FourFourTwo's view, it remains most likely that the England international remains at Old Trafford – something that Romano has suggested, too.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
“What we can say is that conversations [over a new deal] have been going on since February,” he added. “I can confirm that United want to extend his contract.
“It’s not an urgent situation as the contract is still long and United are not in a rush, but they want to make it happen.
Real Madrid are said to want Mainoo (Image credit: Samuel de Roman / Getty Images)
“They want to offer him a new deal and have already held preliminary discussions with his agents. The conversation is quite positive. Mainoo wants to stay and United want to give him an important salary to make sure the player is super happy at the club.”
Mainoo is worth €35 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
