Manchester United have agreed a contract extension with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, the Press Association understands.
The popular 21-year-old academy graduate has already amassed 98 appearances for his boyhood club, netting seven goals, including a crucial strike in United’s 2024 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Just a few months ago, Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford appeared uncertain. He had fallen out of favour under previous manager Ruben Amorim, with an August loan request being denied.
A January departure on a temporary basis seemed likely until Michael Carrick’s arrival as head coach. Carrick reinstated the midfielder to the starting XI, where he has played a pivotal role in the team’s ascent to third in the Premier League, with United now on the brink of sealing Champions League qualification for next season.
Negotiations for a new deal have advanced significantly in recent months, with the Press Association understanding that terms have now been agreed for an improved contract, reportedly extending until 2031.
Mainoo’s current agreement was set to expire next summer, and official confirmation of the new terms is anticipated imminently.
His impressive performances have also earned him an England recall, with the Euro 2024 final starter now vying for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Mainoo has 12 caps for his country, and featured in both international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley last month.
Tuchel settled on a midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson during England’s World Cup qualifying campaign, and the duo look set to start the Three Lions’ opening match in the US this summer if they are both fit.
However, Mainoo has proved his worth at Old Trafford since the turn of the year and may fancy his chances of breaking into the national team starting line-up during this summer’s tournament, just like he did at the Euros two years ago.
