Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2031.
The new five-year deal ends any lingering speculation over his future, the 21-year-old having re-established himself in the United side under Michael Carrick, whose excellent results as interim boss has seen United move to the cusp of sealing a return to the Champions League.
Mainoo has made 26 appearances for United this season, with 14 of them starts.
Mainoo: Manchester United is my home
Having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim, who left the club in January, Mainoo has flourished since former United midfielder Carrick stepped in.
Indeed, Mainoo has made 13 starts under Carrick, forming a successful midfield partnership with Casemiro.
His fraught relationship with Amorim had led to consistent rumours of him leaving Old Trafford.
But now Mainoo is fully committed to his boyhood club.
Speaking to United’s official website, Mainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home; this special club means everything to my family.
“I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“From The Cliff, to Littleton Road, to Carrington and ultimately Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible. I have the privilege of living my dream every single 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 inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”
Who will Manchester United sign to partner Mainoo?
With Casemiro set to leave the club at the end of the season, one question United must answer surrounds the identity of Mainoo’s midfielder partner 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, seems 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 European football’s top table, they should have 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 gifted 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 full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world, ready to play a pivotal role in a Manchester United team challenging for the biggest honours.”
