- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Manchester United’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth has made the extension of one player’s contract a priority.
After months of negotiation with Newcastle United, Dan Ashworth finally began his role as sporting director of Manchester United last week and the Englishman has already been busy.
The Red Devils have appointed former RB Leipzig and Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell to a role within the club on a short-term basis whilst the Red Devils are closing in on two key additions of Matthijs De Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.
However, Ashworth’s remit will not just be on transfers but contract renewals too, and Ashworth is understood to have made extending Kobbie Mainoo’s contract a priority.
Ashworth prioritising a Kobbie Mainoo extension
United were already progressing with talks for the outstanding teenager – as HITC revealed – but the player’s camp had put talks on hold until after the season had ended as they wanted the player to concentrate on his form, which resulted in a call up to England’s European Championship squad.
The midfielder has been in outstanding form for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 and was one of the shining lights for England as they beat the Netherlands to set up a final against Spain on Sunday.
Mainoo has now emerged as one of the key players for the national team, as he did during his debut season at Old Trafford, which culminated in the decisive second goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Ten Hag’s stay at the club delighted Mainoo
Sources have told HITC that Mainoo wanted to understand the future of manager Erik ten Hag, who he has huge respect for, which could be seen during the aftermath of the cup final victory.
HITC is told that Mainoo and his representatives were delighted to see Ten Hag handed a new contract.
The renewal of Ten Hag’s contract was one of Ashworth’s first major tasks as the club’s new sporting director. The hope from Ashworth is that once Mainoo returns from international duty, these talks over a new deal can accelerate.
United are anxious to reward Mainoo for his progress and his new standing as one of England’s best young players.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
