Manchester United are reportedly set to begin negotiations with Kobbie Mainoo over a new contract, following the confirmation that Casemiro will leave the club this summer. The Brazilian midfielder's departure was announced on Thursday, with United opting not to extend his current deal.
Mainoo, a 20-year-old academy graduate, has seen his fortunes change under interim manager Michael Carrick. After not starting a single Premier League match under former boss Ruben Amorim, Mainoo was thrust into the starting XI for Carrick's first game, a 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City.
United are keen to secure Mainoo's long-term future, with his current contract running until June 2027 on wages of around £20,000 per week, making him one of the club's lowest earners. It has been reported that Mainoo has previously asked for £200,000 a week to sign a new deal.
Carrick has expressed his belief that Mainoo is better suited to an attacking role rather than as a holding midfielder. Speaking last summer, Carrick said, "I think he's more of an attacker. I don't see him as a holding midfielder."
The midfield overhaul will see Casemiro, 33, leave after four years at Old Trafford, with doubts remaining over captain Bruno Fernandes's future. United have been linked with several midfield targets, including Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, but transfers will depend on the appointment of a permanent manager.
