Kobbie Mainoo is set to agree a new long term contract at Manchester United just months after rumours circulated around a potential exit
Kobbie Mainoo’s impending new deal and resurgence at Manchester United show Marcus Rashford that redemption is possible. The forgotten star is currently on loan at Barcelona with reports suggesting that the academy hero would prefer to stay in Spain next season.
The two clubs have a £26million fee in place for Rashford, with Barca failing to renegotiate the price. However, they have until June 15 to come to a permanent agreement. Another loan next season is a possibility.
Despite all signs pointing to Rashford leaving Old Trafford, Mainoo has shown that there is still hope for a return for the 28-year-old. The midfielder looked checked out in Manchester, with a six-month loan to Napoli on the table.
Ruben Amorim had been omitting Mainoo from the starting XI, with the 21-year-old playing fewer than 180 minutes under the former boss. The youngster considered searching for regular minutes elsewhere to fight for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
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But when Amorim was sacked and Michael Carrick arrived, Mainoo’s situation did a complete 180. The midfielder has become an integral part of the starting XI, helping United climb up to third place and in contention for Europe.
The interim boss is understood to have spoken with the club’s hierarchy to highlight Mainoo’s long-term value. Carrick also endorsed United’s decision to increase the midfielder’s wages exponentially to reflect his importance to the team.
Mainoo’s new contract is set to keep him in Manchester until 2031 and boost his weekly wages by £100,000. The 21-year-old currently earns £20K a week, meaning he will also pocket a huge increase in his annual salary.
If Rashford returned to United, his £315,000-a-week wages would be reinstated. So, it seems like money is not the main driving force for the England international’s career decision.
It is clear that Rashford’s gametime is his main concern after joining Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ last year. The 28-year-old was ostracised from the first-team squad for pre-season training in 2025.
Rashford – alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia – were told to stay away from the team and to find another club. Garnacho joined Chelsea, Antony headed to Real Betis and Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa.
Rashford headed to Spain on a temporary basis and has found his footing with Barcelona. The United academy graduate has reached 25 goal contributions this season, a level he previously achieved at Old Trafford.
Mainoo’s redemption arc at United is a clear picture for Rashford that fortunes can change for the better. Whether the Carrington hero can see past his previous struggles and return to his boyhood club remains to be seen.
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