The 18-year-old earned rave reviews during pre-season in the summer but injury prevented him from contributing at the start of the campaign – though he has more than made up for that now.
Mainoo has started United’s last seven Premier League matches and showed maturity and poise on the ball, capping a number of fine midfield displays with a stunning run and finish against Wolves to secure a late victory.
He only signed his most recent contract a year ago, in February 2023, and there had initially been suggestions that United’s hierarchy were in no rush to begin fresh talks.
That deal runs until June 2027 and includes the option for a further year, giving United plenty of breathing room, and they were expected to wait until the summer to begin renewal discussions.
But, according to Fabrizio Romano, United’s position now appears to have changed and they want to tie down a player who could be the bedrock of their team for the next decade.
Fresh terms have already been prepared and talks with Mainoo’s camp are said to be at an advanced stage.
United have no doubts about the importance of the young midfielder to their plans over the coming years, while Mainoo himself is keen to commit to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have made it clear that he will be a crucial part of their project and he will be handed a significant salary rise to reflect his growing status in the team.
Despite not even having played for the England Under-21 side, Mainoo is even being linked with a call-up to the senior team for this summer’s Euros – a factor that might have got in the way of contract talks had they been left until after the season was finished.
Talking about Mainoo’s enormous talent, skipper Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports: ‘He’s a big talent. I have seen it in the past.
‘I saw him play for the Under-18’s two or three years ago and I said to a friend who was in Manchester and wanted to see some youth games, I said at the time the name of Kobbie [was one to watch]. We didn’t know he was going to be this talent and this player.’
Rasmus Hojlund added: ‘We have a generational talent in Kobbie Mainoo. You can see his composure, he is so relaxed on the ball. Now he’s also starting to show that he has the scoring part of his game as well. He’s a complete player.
‘Us young guys, we have a little group and we’re chatting to each other. Hopefully we can set an era for the club and be here many years together.’
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