Kobbie Mainoo’s status at Manchester United has completely changed in January, with Ruben Amorim’s departure and Michael Carrick’s arrival changing his fortunes
Kobbie Mainoo once refused to to leave his car alongside the fleet of flash motors his Manchester United team-mates owned. But he now has the chance to park himself in the United midfield for the next decade if he chooses to.
In the space of a fortnight, the humble Mainoo has gone from being an outcast, to someone United are desperate to tie down to a new long-term contract. Had Ruben Amorim still been manager, Mainoo would now be packing his bags for a trip to Napoli. A move to the Amalfi Coast to rescue his career, alongside Kevin De Bruyne and former United team-mate Scott McTominay.
But instead, Mainoo has been released from his Manchester malaise to find himself reborn. Thanks to the common sense of interim manager Michael Carrick, United have woken up to the fact the club has a bona fide superstar in the building. A midfielder capable of starting for England in the final of a major tournament. A footballer United have spent years bringing through the academy, to represent the first team with all the qualities the club prides itself on.
Amongst all the desperation and darkness of United’s fall from grace, Mainoo’s emergence has been a rare flash of light. And despite his progress to the top, he has remained on a contract worth just £25,000-a-week. A deal which runs until 2027, but needs ripping up and replacing with one which reflects Mainoo’s long-term value to his hometown club.
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Fellow midfielder Casemiro earns the equivalent of what Mainoo does before he’s brushed his teeth on a morning. Which is part of the reason United have decided to release the Brazilian at the end of this season. His £350,000-a-week deal is no longer sustainable or justified.
And while United bosses are having a rare moment of coming to their senses, it has dawned on them that some of this cash should be invested in the future, not the past. Mainoo will spend the next few weeks talking to United about a new contract. And with Casemiro heading towards the exit and Bruno Fernandes considering his position, Mainoo has United over a barrel.
This is a footballer who wouldn’t dream of holding his hometown club to ransom. Mainoo would rather go to Nando’s than nightclubs – and drinks water instead of champagne. His initial impact at United earned him a new fan club, which included England and United legend Bryan Robson, no less.
Robson was so impressed and fascinated with Mainoo, he even made trips to Carrington just to watch him train. “He’s that good,” said Robson, “and he’s only going to get better. He’s shown nothing but maturity throughout his Manchester United career.”
That’s quite a compliment, coming from someone who knew a thing or two about how to boss a midfield at the highest level. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to look at Mainoo and appreciate the value he has. Since Amorim’s sacking, Mainoo has been reintegrated into the senior fold.
Interim boss Darren Fletcher started the 20-year-old in the FA Cup third round defeat by Brighton earlier this month, and Mainoo kept his place for Carrick’s first game in charge as United beat Manchester City at Old Trafford. Mainoo signed a long-term deal in 2023.
And had hoped to pen a new one in the wake of his scoring contribution to United’s FA Cup final triumph over City in 2024. But nothing was agreed. Mainoo had reservations about his club’s attitude towards him. A feeling which strengthened when Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag as manager.
But Carrick has made United come to their senses. Giving Mainoo the kind of contract he deserves will cost United. But even a club as utterly dysfunctional as United should realise that it will be a small price to pay.
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