Koby Mainu saw his Manchester United career rejuvenated by Michael Carrick after falling out of favor under Ruben Amorim, with his long-term future uncertain.
Koby Mainu’s contract expires in 2027 (Image: Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images)
Coby Mainu was one of Michael Carrick’s stars during his time at Manchester United. But despite firmly establishing himself as a starter, his long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
Mainu, 20, rejected a contract offer from United around this time last year, when Ruben Amorim had recently taken over. As Amorim’s chaotic leadership continued, the midfielder became increasingly disadvantaged.
Before Amorim was sacked by the Red Devils in January, Mainu had never made a start in the Premier League this season. United’s academy graduate is expected to leave the club in the winter transfer window, and Italian powerhouse Napoli, who failed to sign Maynou in the summer, were known to be fans.
After Carrick was appointed as interim manager, Mainou returned immediately and started all six games under the new manager. However, he will be entering the final 12 months of his current contract when he potentially plays for England at the World Cup this summer, although renewal talks have yet to resume.
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The Sun reports, adding that Mainoo is keen to remain at Old Trafford. United intend to renew his contract, but have not officially signed his agent since negotiations broke down last year.
Importantly, the Red Devils have the option to extend Mainu’s contract by one year until 2028. But the 10-time England international is hoping to secure a new contract, which would be a significant improvement on his relatively modest £25,000-a-week wage.
United will not want clubs sniffing around Maynou and turning their backs on him as the summer approaches. Chelsea and Bayern Munich were previously interested in signing the 20-year-old, who will sign a professional contract with United in 2023.
The Red Devils will already be down one midfielder when the summer transfer window opens, with Casemiro confirming he will leave the club when his contract expires in June. And if Carrick were to win the job permanently, there’s no doubt he’d want Mainu on the team.
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Koby Mainu is being targeted by multiple clubs (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
“I’ve known Covey for a long time,” Carrick told BBC Sport ahead of Monday’s game away to Everton. “I started working with him when he was 13 or 14 and I was starting to wear my coaching badge, which is a few years ago.
“He talked a little bit. And obviously, when I first got here, he was there a little bit. So I think getting to know him and having experience with him and being able to see him perform at such a level in such a big scene…
“I said earlier that the coaches can handle being here and are at a level where they can handle it. What Coby has done at such a young age is just incredible.”
Mainoo hopes to further his case for a new contract when United host Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Red Devils are aiming for a seven-game unbeaten run since Carrick took over.
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