United prepare huge contract offer for key midfielder, prioritising renewal before summer – report

Kobbie Mainoo’s spectacular resurgence at Manchester United has sparked talk of a possible contract renewal. The Englishman’s future was subject to intense speculation only a month ago, when he was a peripheral figure under former head coach Ruben Amorim. Once considered the next midfield gem to emerge from Carrington, Mainoo went from being a nailed-on starter to a forgotten man within a space of six months at the Theatre of Dreams. Where former head coach Erik ten Hag considered the 20 year old an integral part of his setup, his successor Amorim was not so generous. And so, around a year after he started the Euro 2024 final with England, Mainoo saw himself become a bit-part player under the Portuguese head coach. Before Amorim’s abrupt departure last month, the Englishman had failed to make a single start in the Premier League. Amorim’s departure the turning point Following Amorim’s departure, however, Mainoo was swiftly reintroduced into the fold under interim manager Darren Fletcher. Michael Carrick’s appointment as caretaker manager until the end of the season then saw the young midfielder secure his first Premier League start of the season against Manchester City. Kobbie Mainoo: All-Time Premier League Stats MetricValue Appearances (Sub)65 (19) Goals3 Assists2 xG1.83 xA3.82 Touches in Opposition Box88 Penalties (Scored)0 (0) Hit Woodwork1 Free Kicks0 (0) Crosses (Completed %)18 (28%) Passes (Completed %)1,975 (87%) Long Passes (Completed %)89 (61%) Corners Taken1 Minutes Played4,102 Dribbles (Completed %)113 (53%) Duels Won260 Aerial Duels Won44 Total Tackles106 Interceptions44 Blocks18 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards8 Fouls47 Offsides4 Source: Premier League Website.Mainoo has retained his place in the starting XI ever since, starting all three games under Carrick and playing a crucial role in securing three wins. The English midfielder has been running the show from the middle of the park, with the new 4-2-3-1 system playing to his strengths. Meanwhile, Casemiro is set to leave at the end of this season and United are preparing to sign an suitable replacement for the Brazilian this summer, with Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton among the options under consideration. However, the Red Devils are also planning Mainoo’s renewal, with his contract due to expire in less than 18 months. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person stated that Jason Wilcox is spearheading the process, and an update on the matter has now emerged. Mainoo to receive a massive salary hike According to talkSPORT, United are preparing to quadruple Mainoo’s wages. The report states: “Manchester United are set to begin discussions with Kobbie Mainoo over a new long-term contract that would see his salary quadrupled.” “talkSPORT understands club chiefs are optimistic of agreeing a deal with the academy product before the end of the season. The England international currently earns around £25,000 a week at Old Trafford however talkSPORT understands that United are set to offer Mainoo a six-figure wage which would quadruple his current earnings.” The report adds that the Englishman is one of the lowest earners at the club and is on the same wages that were agreed when he signed his last contract in 2023 as a 17 year old. The deal has performance-related bonuses, but those were difficult to achieve due to the player’s lack of game time under Amorim, adding to his frustration. However, the Premier League giants are now ready to hand Mainoo a salary that reflects his status as one of the club’s rising stars. Final Thoughts With Casemiro set to leave this summer and Bruno Fernandes’ future also uncertain, United must do everything possible to keep hold of Mainoo. The Englishman has all the ingredients to become the new backbone of the Red Devils’ midfield, and the club cannot afford to let him go. Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.