Trouble brewing at Old Trafford as ‘parting of the ways’ mooted for Utd fan-favourite this summer

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·12 marzo 2025

Trouble brewing at Old Trafford as ‘parting of the ways’ mooted for Utd fan-favourite this summer

Manchester United are yet to reach an agreement with Kobbie Mainoo over a contract extension amid expectations of him staying at the club long-term.

While the midfielder is already tied to Old Trafford until 2027 – plus the option of an additional season – it’s hoped he will put pen to paper on a bumper deal to fend off outside interest and remain fully committed to his boyhood club.

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Mainoo, who turns 20 next month, has been at United since he was six years old. He progressed through the youth ranks before breaking into the first-team under Erik ten Hag in 2023/2024, though his official debut came towards the end of 2022/2023.

Since then, the youngster quickly established himself as one of the most exhilarating midfield prospects in Europe, overseeing stellar display after stellar display and not once looking out of place amongst his senior teammates.

Such tremendous form was quickly recognised by Gareth Southgate, who called up Mainoo for the first time last spring before awarding him his debut on March 23. He was also included in the ex-England boss’ Euro 2024 squad the subsequent summer, featuring six times in total across the tournament.

Mainoo tipped for premature United exit if contract talks collapse

Mainoo has made 60 appearances in total for United – 25 this season. (Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images)

Numerous reports have suggested the reason behind Mainoo’s current reluctance to sign fresh terms is his desire to move abroad and ply his trade in another league. Should he want to leave United but stay in the Premier League, Chelsea are said to be concrete admirers of the Stockport-born talent.

Now, Football Insider claims: “United will continue talks with the midfielder until the end of the 2024-25 campaign as they push to persuade the academy product to stay put for the long term.

“The Red Devils have not given up hope of keeping Mainoo around, but sources say a failure to break through in talks before the summer transfer window could spell a parting of the ways.”

Mainoo has not featured for the club since February after sustaining a muscle injury.