Manchester United News: Double deal agreed as contract is being prepared | Soccer | Sports

The current situation is looking more positive for Manchester United both on and off the pitch as this summer’s transfer activity begins to take shape. Michael Carrick’s impressive work as interim manager is starting to bear fruit, and some important deals could be accelerated. At the start of this year, it seemed almost unthinkable that United would regain enough ground to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

However, under Carrick’s guidance, the club currently sit third in the Premier League ahead of Monday’s game against Leeds. The team flew to Dublin on Monday and began a week of intensive training across the Irish Sea. It’s been almost three weeks since the last outing, but all eyes are firmly on Carrick and whether the team can continue from where they left off before their recent hiatus.

However, while there is a lack of activity on the pitch, the same cannot be said about the club’s activities behind the scenes. Express Sport looks at the latest developments as United Edge approaches some very promising business.

Strengthening the club’s standing is an important next step, given the notable improvements that have been made under Carrick in recent months. As a result, Harry Maguire and Kobie Mainoo are reportedly on the verge of signing contract extensions at Old Trafford.

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Signing Mainu on revised terms is a particularly encouraging development given the midfielder’s absence under manager Ruben Amorim. However, the club have reportedly moved to tie the player to a new five-year contract after he successfully regained his place under manager Carrick.

Maguire is also an urgent priority given his current contract expires at the end of this season. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that both players are on the verge of putting pen to paper on new deals.

“Manchester United are ready to accelerate and formalize new contracts for both players ahead of the World Cup, with the return of Harry Maguire and Kobie Mainoo from the national team,” he said. “This is the mission, to sign everything before the end of the season.

“We’ve got a season extension with Kobie Mainou until 2031 and a season extension with Harry Maguire until 2027, with an option for another year. Negotiations with Kobie Mainou are already well advanced and we’re almost done with Harry Maguire, who will sign soon.”

“Man United will announce everything before the end of the season. This is the club’s wish and we are currently working with the player camp and everything is going very well.”

Mainoo has been rejuvenated under Carrick and has rediscovered his best form, reflected in his growing calls for a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Maguire, meanwhile, has rebuilt his faith and looks set to play in United colors for at least one more season.

De Bruyne praises Hojlund’s potential

Rasmus Heilund’s permanent move to Napoli appears to be confirmed. Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna even described the move in such terms in December, considering the Dane’s impressive display.

The 23-year-old has made 37 appearances on loan at Napoli so far this season, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists. Consistency continues to elude the striker, but it is clear from comments from club officials and team-mates that he commands considerable respect at Napoli.

Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne is also said to rate the forward highly. And the Belgian, who recently returned to Antonio Conte’s side after a hamstring injury, gave his assessment of the United loanee.

“He can be a top player. He has great qualities,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “He had a difficult time in Manchester, but now he is doing very well here. He is still young and has a lot of time ahead of him.”

The terms of his loan deal mean Napoli will be obligated to sign Hojlund outright for £38m if they qualify for the Champions League.