Michael Carrick has indicated that Kobbie Mainoo is moving closer to signing a new contract with Manchester United, describing negotiations as being “in a good place”. The 20-year-old midfielder’s current deal expires in the summer of 2027, but he is expected to earn around £120,000 a week under the new terms, 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.”
If Mainoo signs, it would mark a turnaround after he fell out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim. Mainoo scored in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May 2024 and shone for England at that summer’s European Championship. After not starting in the league under Amorim, he has been ever-present under Carrick, leading to an England recall.
United host Leeds on Monday night aiming to strengthen their Champions League qualification push. Carrick said failing to achieve that would not be acceptable: “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.”
United’s visit to Leeds on 4 January proved to be Amorim’s last game, as he was sacked the following day. Carrick, who was on holiday in Barbados at the time, admitted he did not envisage taking over. “I watched the games but there wasn’t really any sign of it at that stage,” he said. “That’s why we can never take anything for granted.”
Lisandro Martínez is expected to replace the suspended Harry Maguire at centre-back, having last featured in the 1-1 draw at West Ham on 10 February due to a calf problem.
