Michael Carrick has revealed that talks over Kobbie Mainoo's long-term contract are edging closer to a resolution, but the interim Manchester United head coach stressed that securing Champions League football will be crucial in convincing top talent to remain at the club.
After a difficult period under previous boss Ruben Amorim, the academy graduate has flourished under Carrick's guidance and has once again established himself as a cornerstone player for the Red Devils. Mainoo's current deal runs until 2027 with a one-year option, but the club have reportedly authorised a new five-year contract for the England international.
'We'd like to think so and it's getting closer, so we're positive with that,' Carrick said. 'We're calm with it, but we're positive with it and time will tell how it goes. At the moment, we are in a good place.'
United face rivals Leeds on Monday night in a match that could significantly boost their chances of a top-five finish. Carrick acknowledged that Champions League qualification would have wide-ranging benefits: 'I think the Champions League just brings so many positive things. It's where we want to be... That has ramifications for so many different things over... players staying, if it is that; if it's players coming in, it's financially to all sorts of different things.'
Carrick's predecessor spoke last May of preparing two separate transfer strategies based on European qualification, a hurdle they ultimately missed. While the 44-year-old stopped short of outlining dual plans, he admitted finishing in certain league positions makes 'a lot of difference financially' and confirmed work is ongoing to improve the squad.
