- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Manchester United are keen on tying down Kobbie Mainoo to a new contract, HITC understands.
Sources have told HITC that Manchester United have already spoken to Kobbie Mainoo about a contract extension.
Manchester United want to reward Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo has broken into the United first team and is impressing under manager Erik ten Hag. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson thinks that he is a top-class talent.
HITC understands that Ineos, who will soon be running the football department once Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership of 25% of the club is formally approved by the Premier League, have sanctioned the move to tie down Mainoo.
The 18-year-old midfielder is on a long-term contract at United already. There is no suggestion that any other club are interested in the teenager, although, as HITC revealed, England head coach Gareth Southgate could call him up to his squad for March.
Former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners United are keen to reward Mainoo for his rapid progress.
Breakthrough season for Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo broke into the United first team last season, but it is now that he is playing regularly and is having a breakthrough campaign.
The midfielder has made nine appearances in the Premier League for the Red Devils so far this season. He has scored one goal in those games.
Mainoo has also made two substitute appearances in the UEFA Champions League and has played twice in the FA Cup.
United legend Roy Keane rates Mainoo highly. The Sky Sports pundit was hugely impressed by the midfielder’s full Premier League debut against Everton earlier in the season.
Keane told Sky Sports at the time: “Unbelievable. We don’t want to get too carried away but I’m sure we will.
“He looked like he always had time on the ball today, his decision-making, in terms of when to go long when to go short, in terms of off the ball as well. What an all-round performance.
“The club obviously think highly of him. With the build-up to the game today, coming to Everton, for the manager to put him in, he and the staff around the place obviously must trust him.
“Good luck to the kid. He was outstanding. It’s a great start for him. Let’s hope he stays injury-free and gets a run of games for Man Utd because he looked a Man Utd type of player. Nice and brave, lots of courage. I loved watching him.”
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