Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo will be handed an opportunity to return to his preferred position and make himself a key part of head coach Ruben Amorim's plans if the Old Trafford academy graduate ends speculation over his long-term future by penning a new contract, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
The Red Devils have taken advantage of the initial 10-day transfer window by completing the £62.5million acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Premier League counterparts Wolverhampton Wanderers, but there is a desire to ensure they head into next season with further reinforcements and their key men still on board.
Although there are fears that Bruno Fernandes will be tempted away from Manchester United, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal increasingly confident that they are close to convincing him to join, influential figures behind the scenes remain determined to retain Mainoo's services in preparation for Amorim's first full campaign at the helm.
Amorim prepared to give England international another chance
Manchester United are still in talks with Mainoo over a new deal, according to GMS sources, and he will be given the chance to return to his favoured central midfield role even though Amorim previously had trust issues if he is persuaded to sign on the dotted line in the coming months.
The England international is preparing to enter the final two years of his current contract, which allows him to pocket £25,000-per-week, but the Red Devils have an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months and that has resulted in influential figures being relaxed over the situation despite being eager to tie him down to fresh terms.
GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United are not actively looking to sell Mainoo, regardless of the fact he would be offloaded for pure profit after his game time was reduced due to injury problems during the 2024/25 campaign, and he will be on course to become one of the first names on the team sheet if he puts pen to paper.
The 20-year-old has previously been described as 'incredible' by Gary Lineker and, despite being deployed in an advanced role on various occasions since Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in the hot-seat, there is a willingness to allow him to make a claim to be utilised in the middle of the park next term.
Manchester United are using contract negotiations to be very open with Mainoo about his role and how he can fit in, GMS sources have learned, while they have made it clear that they want to work with him on a plan to elevate his traits and get the best out of him instead of cashing in.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Kobbie Mainoo boasted 94 per cent pass accuracy during Manchester United's win over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season
Upgrading Mainoo May Solve Red Devils Issue
Transfer target Ederson appears to be out of reach
GMS sources have been told that Manchester United are eager to make Mainoo faster, stronger and more combative as a central midfielder as it has been acknowledged that upgrading his talent would solve a problem after they have been struggling to find the cash to spend on Atalanta's Ederson.
The Old Trafford fan favourite is valued at £70million and, although his departure would allow Amorim to have a boosted budget for the remainder of the summer, there is a desire to aid his development and give him regular game time instead of sanctioning his departure after gaining interest.
Manchester United will only alter their stance on potentially selling Mainoo if he chooses to agitate for a move, GMS sources understand, and Chelsea are waiting in the wings in case he decides to make it clear he is ready to embark on a fresh challenge instead of remaining in his current surroundings.
Comments