Michael Carrick has indicated that Kobbie Mainoo is close to signing a new contract with Manchester United, with the midfielder's agent describing negotiations as being in a good place. The 20-year-old's current deal expires in 2027, and he is expected to earn around £120,000 a week, a significant increase from his current £25,000-a-week wages.
“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.” Mainoo fell out of favour under previous manager Ruben Amorim but has been a regular starter under Carrick, earning an England recall after scoring in last season's FA Cup final and featuring at Euro 2024.
United host Leeds on Monday aiming to strengthen their Champions League qualification hopes. When asked if failing to qualify would be acceptable, Carrick replied: “I wouldn’t accept it, no. But it’s not so much accepting it, it’s about trying to finish as high as you possibly can.”
Carrick also reflected on his unexpected appointment after Amorim's sacking in January, admitting he did not see it coming while on holiday in Barbados. Lisandro Martínez is expected to replace the suspended Harry Maguire for the clash at Old Trafford.
