Man Utd in 'advanced talks' to extend key contract of Erik ten Hag favourite after incredible season

Manchester United could soon tie down a star of the future with reports suggesting they are in 'advanced talks' with Kobbie Mainoo over a new-and-improved contract.

Mainoo only signed his most recent deal in February 2023 but has since enjoyed an incredible rise to prominence at United. The midfielder was nine months away from making his Premier League debut when last putting pen to paper, but after featuring in the 3-0 win at Everton in November, he has started 13 of United's 15 league games and made 20 appearances across all competitions. 

The 18-year-old has quickly become one of the first names on Erik ten Hag's teamsheet and that ever-increasing influence looks set to be rewarded. Football Insider reports that club and player are progressing in talks over a new contract that will more accurately reflect Mainoo's role in the squad, with confidence among all parties that an agreement will be reached.

The teenager's current contract runs until 2027, although the club have an option to extend it for 12 more months. It is expected that a new deal will see Mainoo commit his long-term future to the club he developed with as a young talent before breaking into the first-team.

Mainoo enjoyed another excellent performance during Sunday's dramatic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool, starting and playing 80 minutes before being replaced by Christian Eriksen. The midfielder watched from the bench as extra-time goals from Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo saw his side win 4-3, booking their place in the semi-finals where they will play Coventry City.

There was genuine clamour for Mainoo to be involved with the England senior team for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month - the last international break before this summer's European Championships - but he was not included in Gareth Southgate’s squad. Instead, he will join up with Lee Carsley's under-21s for the first time and is expected to feature against Azerbaijan or Luxembourg.