Kobbie Mainoo will sign new Man Utd deal on two conditions - opinion

There was not much to be happy about from a Manchester United perspective at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle United romped to a 4-1 Premier League victory.

However, the sight of Kobbie Mainoo making his first Premier League appearance for over two months will have come as a welcome sight to Red Devils supporters. The academy graduate came off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Lyon last Thursday and continued to get some more minutes under his belt with a late introduction at Newcastle.

His return comes at the right time for United, who will be desperate to advance in the Europa League this week after their Premier League campaign hit a new low. The Red Devils are now guaranteed to have their worst-ever points tally in the Premier League era and look set for their worst-ever finish too.

Winning the Europa League will see them qualify for the Champions League, however, and put some gloss on a poor campaign while also help them with their summer recruitment. It could also help them when it comes to contract renewals.

Why Kobbie Mainoo has not signed a new contract at Man United yet

Mainoo burst onto the scene for United last season as he enjoyed a breakout campaign under Erik ten Hag. He scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City. After that goal at Wembley, Bruno Fernandes said: “He's really good. He's such a quality player. You see the composure that he had in the finishing. But part of the DNA of this club is the young players who come through the academy on to the biggest stage in the world. They showed it again.”

He also received some major praise from club legend Paul Scholes, who said last May: "Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week... don't waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19. Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what's around him and of course big goals in big games. This boy is special.”

Mainoo is currently under contract at United until the summer of 2027 and the club are keen to tie him down to new terms following his breakthrough. However, nothing has been agreed as it has been reported that Mainoo’s representatives and the club are far apart in terms of wages. The player’s representatives are said to want £180k a week in any deal but United are only willing to offer £100k.

The two conditions that could see Kobbie Mainoo sign new Man United contract

While there is no immediate pressure for United to tie Mainoo down, the longer talks drag on the greater possibility that another club could make their move for Mainoo. He was the subject of interest from Chelsea in January and a high offer this summer could tempt the Red Devils to sell the academy graduate due to their position in regards to profit and sustainability.

However, United could secure Mainoo quickly if they were to make an improved offer in terms of weekly wages. They may not need to offer the full £180k-per-week that is reportedly being requested but could bump their initial offer up to show Mainoo they are serious about keeping him around.

The other condition that could see Mainoo sign a new deal would be the summer departures of some high earners such as Marcus Rashford and Casemiro. Both players are said to be on excess of more than £300k per week, and moving them on would free up their wage bill and allow United to divert some of that money towards a new offer for Mainoo.