Mansion Sports – Manchester United have not yet initiated new contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old briefly lost his place under former manager Ruben Amorim, but has returned to the starting lineup since Michael Carrick took charge.

Nevertheless, uncertainty remains over whether he will commit his future to the club.

Manchester United Yet to Begin New Contract Negotiations

According to a report from The Sun, United have not opened discussions with Mainoo regarding a new agreement.

The England international’s current contract runs until 2027, and the report states that he previously requested a loan move last summer.

He did not start a single match under Amorim, but has regained the trust to feature since Carrick—former Tottenham and Manchester United midfielder—was appointed as interim coach.

United also hold an option to activate a one-year extension in Mainoo’s contract.

Although the midfielder has not yet fully reached his best potential, Carrick has deliberately refrained from offering excessive instruction to the young player.

He believes that after going through a mentally challenging period, the best developmental approach is sometimes to avoid over-intervention, instead allowing a major talent the space to grow naturally without the pressure of threats to his place in the team.

Carrick’s Praise for Mainoo’s Potential

Carrick has continued to highlight the young midfielder’s immense potential as the season progresses.

“I have known Kobbie for a long time. I started working with him when he was around 13 or 14 years old, when I began my coaching license—that was several years ago,” he told BBC Sport.

“Initially it was only in small portions. Then, when I was here the first time, he had already started to be around the first team.

“Knowing him and having the experience of seeing him perform at a high level on big occasions, I have said before that coaches must be able to handle the pressure of being here and deal with this level. What Kobbie has done at such a young age is truly remarkable.

“We often forget how young he still is. I have always been a fan of his game and I know what he is capable of. So it was not a big decision to play him.”

“It is not easy to find rhythm and performance when you rarely play. There are things he can improve and refine, but we have not really started those discussions because we are simply allowing him to find his own flow.”

“I am very careful not to give him too much instruction—just a few small pointers, a little about positioning and some other details—while still trusting his quality. He is an outstanding footballer with tremendous talent.”

A Call from Tuchel

Mainoo has earned 10 caps for the England national team, but has not yet played under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

The last time he represented his country was under interim coach Lee Carsley, when England defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in September 2024.

However, the German coach has opened the door for the midfielder to be recalled.

“It is very good to see Mainoo playing again. He is a tremendous talent,” Tuchel said while attending the UEFA Nations League draw.

“He has already played a full tournament with England, so he is back on the radar, as are Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.

“There are several players who are suddenly back in consideration. They are now playing with a back four and a style that is slightly easier to adapt to our current structure. It is healthy competition.”

Upcoming Schedule

England will face Uruguay and Japan in World Cup warm-up matches in March.

At the tournament, they will be placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the competition hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.