Exclusive: Man Utd keen to tie down ‘exceptional’ star with long-term contract as army of suitors emerges | OneFootball

Manchester United are hellbent on finding an agreement with Kobbie Mainoo on a new contract to ward off his ever-increasing suitors.

The 20-year-old had his big breakthrough last season under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, but this term, he struggled to find his ideal role in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

The Portuguese manager tested the youngster in several roles in the middle of the park, and tried him as a false 9 on one occasion.

Mainoo trying to find himself at Amorim’s court

The Englishman has arguably been at his best when tested as an attacking midfielder, but that experiment was halted by an injury suffered in February.

Nevertheless, Mainoo has now returned to action, and he’ll be looking to play an integral part in the club’s final push to clinch the Europa League trophy.

Moreover, the management still has great faith in the club’s academy product who has been described as an ‘exceptional’ talent.

So according to sources close to Stretty News, INEOS are keen to lock down Mainoo with a long-term contract until 2030 or 2031 to repel his numerous admirers.

Man United keen to extend Kobbie Mainoo contract

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The agreement will certainly include a pay rise, as the midfielder remains one of the club’s lowest earners with a weekly salary of £20,000. The player’s entourage have been asking for substantial figures, but it is believed that the two parties should be able to reach a compromise.

In recent months, Chelsea have been indentified as a potential destination for Mainoo in case he decides to leave Carrington, but our sources also reveal interest from Arsenal, AS Roma, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that Man United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had promised to keep Mainoo alongside fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho at the club.