Koby Mainu is yet to sign a new contract with Man United. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have secured the first part of their summer business as Harry Maguire pens the paper for a new contract. The England international’s new contract runs until the summer of 2027, leaving the club with an option for a further year.
There is still much work to be done, but this represents a significant step in the right direction. United have a lot to work on between now and the end of the campaign, with the Champions League likely to play a decisive role in transfer activity and the appointment of a new manager.
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At the moment, the club is in third place under manager Michael Carrick and is one of the favorites to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition. Following Maguire’s new contract, the Daily Express looks at four key priorities for United to address.
Appoint a permanent manager
Manchester United are well placed to win the Champions League and if Carrick manages to get that goal it would be a huge achievement for the interim head coach. The club has yet to officially name Ruben Amorim’s replacement, and Carrick will hold the fort until the end of the season.
The former United midfielder has made an impressive impression since joining on an interim basis, but there is considerable pressure mounting to hand the 44-year-old a permanent role. If they are to take points from their Premier League rivals in this summer’s transfer window, club leaders must act quickly in deciding who will lead the team.
The transfer window, which brings together some of the world’s best players to compete in the World Cup across the United States, Mexico and Canada, is likely to get off to a slow start. Nevertheless, United need a clear strategy, backed by the manager’s vision, to make the most of the opportunity.
Michael Carrick has impressed as Manchester United’s caretaker manager. (Image: Getty)
tie up koby mainu
One player who has really improved under Carrick is Coby Mainoo, but the United academy product is yet to commit to a new contract at Old Trafford.
His return to the first team should give the club a huge advantage in future transfer negotiations. United cannot afford to allow a player of Maynou’s caliber to leave, given that he embodies United’s DNA.
His current contract runs until the summer of 2027, with the club holding an option for a further year, but negotiations are reportedly ongoing for a new five-year deal. They have to cross the line.
Dealing with the Marcus Rashford situation
It has been a somewhat bittersweet experience for many United supporters who have been watching Marcus Rashford’s development while on loan at Barcelona, after the La Liga giants agreed an option to sign the England international. There have been numerous conflicting reports regarding his future at both Camp Nou and Old Trafford. Some signs suggest Rashford will be allowed to leave United this summer, with the club seeking a permanent sale and Barcelona pushing ahead with another loan deal.
United are perfectly within their rights to try to make the most of the transfer fee they secured from Rashford this summer, and his impressive form in Spain certainly strengthens their position.
Signing Casemiro’s successor
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has confirmed he will leave Manchester United this summer and the club are well aware of the need to find a successor. Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleva have all been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with all four expected to cost big fees.
Simply put, United cannot afford to sign as many underperforming players as they have in the past. A return to the Champions League gives clubs a real opportunity to move forward and rebuild, while recognizing that they must comply with the new SCR regulations.
Tonali, Anderson and Wharton would all be outstanding signings, but United’s transfer hierarchy know they need to secure the best value for money possible.
