Why Manchester United have not yet wrapped up new contract for key player

Manchester United are focused on transfers for the final eight days of the summer window but will then resume talks over a new contract for star youngster Kobbie Mainoo, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column on Substack, Romano said there were no concrete updates on Mainoo’s Man Utd future just yet, though he is considered an important player and some initial talks have already taken place.

Mainoo’s current contract at Old Trafford runs until 2027, so there shouldn’t be too much of a hurry for the club to resolve this situation, even if they would ideally get this done quite soon to avoid any drama further along the line.

The talented 19-year-old has made a real impression in Erik ten Hag’s first-team since breaking into the side last season and playing more regularly as the campaign went on, including in the FA Cup final, when he scored what proved to be the winning goal against rivals Manchester City at Wembley.

Mainoo then made it into England’s Euro 2024 squad, showing that he’s also surely going to be a key player for his country for many years to come.

Mainoo transfer: Man United midfielder’s contract talks to resume soon

“There are also no concrete updates yet on Kobbie Mainoo and a new contract,” Romano said.

“Man United have been working on Mainoo’s new deal for months, some talks already took place, but now all their energy is being focused on the final eight days of the summer transfer window, then they will resume talks for Mainoo, who is considered a key part of the project.”

MUFC fans will hope this delay isn’t a concern, but it certainly sounds like the club are just focused on strengthening with new signings before resolving any internal deals like this one.