Kobbie Mainoo has agreed a new long-term contract with Manchester United worth £120,000 a week, a deal that quadruples his current salary and keeps him at Old Trafford until 2031. The 21-year-old England midfielder, who celebrated his birthday on Sunday, has committed his future to the club after months of negotiations.
The agreement marks a remarkable turnaround in Mainoo's fortunes. Just a few months ago, he was set to join Napoli on a six-month loan after falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim. Mainoo feared his lack of playing time would jeopardise his chances of making England's World Cup squad.
Amorim's sacking and the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager changed the situation. Carrick reinstated Mainoo, who has since played an influential role in United's climb to third place in the Premier League table.
Carrick has been reluctant to involve himself in contract negotiations but is understood to have spoken to club officials about Mainoo's long-term value. He endorsed the decision to hand the midfielder a significant wage increase, reflecting his importance to the team now and in the future.
Mainoo won back his place in the England squad last month and is increasingly confident of being selected for the World Cup in North America, which begins in June.
