Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new contract that will allow him to remain at the Club until 2031.
The new five-year deal puts an end to any lingering speculation over his future as the 21-year-old has re-established himself at United under Michael Carrick, whose excellent results as caretaker manager have taken United to the cusp of sealing a return to the Champions League.
Mainoo has made 26 appearances for United this season, 14 of them as a starter.
Mainoo: Manchester United is my home
Having fallen out of favor under Ruben Amorim, who left the club in January, Mainoo have flourished since former United midfielder Carrick came onto the scene.
In fact, Mainoo has started 13 times for Carrick, forming a successful midfield partnership with Casemiro.
His strained relationship with Amorim had led to constant rumors that he would leave Old Trafford.
But now Mainoo is fully committed to his boyhood club.
Speaking to the official United websiteMainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family.
“I grew up seeing the impact our club has on our city and I enjoy the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“From The Cliff to Littleton Road, Carrington and finally Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible. I am privileged to live my dream every day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.
“We can all feel the momentum building within the club. I am determined to step up and play my part in helping Manchester United regularly challenge for major trophies in the years to come.”
Who will Manchester United sign as a Mainoo partner?
With Casemiro set to leave the club at the end of the season, one question United must answer is the identity of Mainoo’s fellow midfielder next season.
They have been linked with several players in that position, including Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, Newcastle United duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
Anderson, however, looks more likely to join Manchester City. Newcastle captain Guimaraes is not expected to leave the Magpies, while the cost of a deal for Tonali may prove prohibitive.
Still, with United set to return to the top of European football, there should be no shortage of players wanting to join them in the summer.
Sporting director Jason Wilcox, the man tasked with answering that midfield question, said of Mainoo: “Kobbie is one of the most naturally talented young footballers in the world.
“His technical ability, dedicated professionalism and humble personality make him the perfect role model for our young players and a true credit to our outstanding Academy system.
“We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have every confidence that he will become one of the best players in the world, ready to play a vital role in a Manchester United team challenging for top honours.”
