A renewal would be an incredible turnaround for the midfielder, who had previously fallen out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim
Michael Carrick says negotiations over a new contract for Kobbie Mainoo are progressing well and Manchester United are optimistic about reaching an agreement.
Mainoo, whose current deal runs until 2027, is expected to receive a significant pay rise as part of the new terms, judged to be around £120,000 a week. Carrick indicated talks are nearing a positive conclusion.
“It’s getting closer, so we’re positive about that,” Carrick said. “We’re calm with it, but we’re positive with it and time will tell how it goes. But at the moment, we are in a good place.”
The potential renewal would be an incredible turnaround for the midfielder, who had previously fallen out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim despite earlier success, including scoring in United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City in 2024 and impressing for England at the European Championship that summer.
Since Carrick’s arrival, Mainoo has become a regular starter, a run of form that has also led to an England recall.
United face Leeds United next as they continue their push for Champions League qualification. Carrick made clear that falling short of that target would not be acceptable.
“I wouldn’t accept it, no,” Carrick said. “But it’s not so much accepting it, it’s about trying to finish as high as you possibly can. We’ll see how we get on.”
Carrick also reflected on his unexpected appointment following Amorim’s dismissal earlier in the season.
“I watched the games but there wasn’t really any sign of it at that stage, so I was supporting from afar and enjoying time with the family,” Carrick said. “That’s why we can never take anything for granted and why you live in the present and keep trying to improve.”
