Key Takeaways
- Kobbie Mainoo signs new five-year contract with Manchester United until 2031
- The 21-year-old England midfielder has returned to regular first-team football under Michael Carrick
- Director of Football Jason Wilcox describes him as one of the world’s most naturally gifted young players
Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long-term contract at Manchester United. The deal keeps him at Old Trafford until 2031.
The 21-year-old midfielder agreed to a five-year extension. His previous contract was due to end in the summer of 2027. He signed that agreement when he was just 17 years old.
Mainoo had a difficult start to this season. Former manager Ruben Amorim rarely selected him for the first team. The Portuguese coach gave Mainoo only one start. That came in a Carabao Cup match against Grimsby Town. Amorim lost his job in January.
Michael Carrick now manages the team. He has restored Mainoo to a central role. The academy graduate starts every match when he is fit. His excellent form has helped United move close to Champions League qualification. England manager Thomas Tuchel noticed these performances. He recalled Mainoo to the national squad.
Last summer, Mainoo asked to leave the club on loan. However, he stayed to fight for his place. This patience has now brought rewards.
Jason Wilcox is the Director of Football at Manchester United. He spoke about the new contract. He called Mainoo “one of the most naturally gifted young footballers in the world”. Wilcox believes the player can develop into one of the best in the world.
Mainoo joined United’s academy when he was six years old. He made his first-team debut in January 2023 under former manager Erik ten Hag. This came after he helped the youth team win the FA Youth Cup.
The midfielder scored a famous goal in 2024. He netted the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. United won 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.
Mainoo spoke to the club’s official website. He said Manchester United always feels like home. He wants to help the club win major trophies in the coming years.
The club also revealed news about other players. Jadon Sancho may leave this summer. His contract ends in June. United will not extend it for another year. Borussia Dortmund want to sign him. An Italian club has also asked about him. Sancho currently plays for Aston Villa on loan.
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona. The Spanish club can buy him for £26 million. However, they cannot afford this fee. They might ask for another loan instead. United will not reduce the price.