United set to open talks over big-money deal for “genius” midfielder that will leave fans absolutely buzzing – report

Manchester United have scheduled a meeting with Kobbie Mainoo’s camp to accelerate a contract extension and fend off interest from other clubs, according to a new report. Reborn under Carrick The 20-year-old midfielder is enjoying arguably his best run of form in a red shirt since bursting onto the scene at Old Trafford in 2023. Under Michael Carrick‘s watch, the Red Devils have picked up 16 points from a possible 18, putting title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City to the sword in the process. At the heart of this scintillating form has been Mainoo, who has been restored to midfield alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in a 4-2-3-1 system, a switch which compounds the criticism of Ruben Amorim’s bizarre decision-making this season. Mainoo was completely frozen out by the Portuguese coach, who did not start the youngster in a single Premier League game before his dismissal in January. The 3-4-2-1 system never felt like a comfortable fit for this squad, and Mainoo’s inability to find a home was the most damning allegation against it. The comparison in United’s performance under Carrick, in both effectiveness and spirit, is a testament to the power of simplicity. Playing your best young midfielder alongside your best experienced midfielder, with your best attacking midfielder just ahead of them, produces…your best midfield? The fact that Amorim was unable to see this is a black mark which should give any of his future employers pause before deciding to appoint him. Talks locked in for next month Without Carrick’s arrival in place of the prickly Portuguese, Mainoo would undoubtedly have departed United in the January transfer window – with Serie A champions Napoli keen to sign him on loan. However, United are now instead ready to accelerate plans to lock the academy graduate down with a new deal, despite recent reports indicating negotiations had not been opened. Instead, talks have been taking place behind the scenes in an effort to gauge interest from both the player and the club, given how distant both parties grew during Amorim’s tenure. Mainoo and United are described as keen to “accelerate discussions” over securing his long-term future, TEAMtalk reveals. A meeting is scheduled for the end of March, during the international break, between the hierarchy and the midfielder’s camp, as he hopes to be away with England after his resurgence at club level has put him back in contention with the Three Lions. The looming prospect of the World Cup this summer was one of the driving factors behind his decision to push for a loan exit from Old Trafford, since he had fallen out of favour with England boss Thomas Tuchel due to a lack of playing time. “Mainoo’s current contract runs until 2027, with United holding an option to extend it by a further year to 2028, thus putting the club in a strong negotiating position. However, the midfielder remains on the terms he signed upon breaking into the first team – a deal that now lags behind his status in terms of salary,” the report details. “Despite being one of the lowest-paid members of the senior squad, Mainoo’s performances have convinced United’s hierarchy that he deserves a contract more reflective of his current role and potential. “Sources indicate that the club is prepared to offer significantly improved terms to reward and recognise his progress and fend off any potential suitors.” Final Thoughts United are planning an overhaul of their midfield unit this summer, as Casemiro’s contract will expire and the underperforming Manuel Ugarte could be joining his Brazilian teammate through the exit door. At least one, if not two, new options are expected to arrive in their place, with Nottingham Forest powerhouse Elliot Anderson the club’s primary target. However, the resurgence of Mainoo has reminded United of the prodigious talent they have on their hands, making a move to secure his long-term future as, if not more, important than any incoming players. Featured image Alex Livesey 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.