Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United midfielder signs new long-term contract until 2031
Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo signs new five-year deal until 2031; the 21-year-old's previous Man Utd contract was due to expire in the summer of 2027 and his fresh terms better reflect his progression and current status in the first team
Thursday 30 April 2026 14:21, UK
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new five-year contract until 2031.
The 21-year-old's previous deal at Old Trafford, signed in 2023 when he was still 17, was due to expire in the summer of 2027 and his fresh terms better reflect his progression and current status in the first team.
Mainoo's long-term future at United had been plunged into doubt under Ruben Amorim, who restricted him to one start this season in the Carabao Cup before his sacking in January.
The academy graduate, who asked to leave on loan in the summer, has been restored to a central role under Michael Carrick and earned an England recall thanks to his impressive performances for United.
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Director of football Jason Wilcox described the United academy graduate as "one of the most naturally gifted young footballers in the world".
Wilcox added: "We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world, ready to play a pivotal role in a Manchester United team challenging for the biggest honours."
Mainoo is only 21 but has already enjoyed some special moments as a United player, including scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final at Wembley in a 2-1 win over Manchester City in 2024.
Erik ten Hag handed the midfielder his senior debut in the Carabao Cup in January 2023 after playing a key role in United winning the FA Youth Cup the season before.
Speaking to the club's website, Mainoo said: "Manchester United has always been my home – this special club means everything to my family.
"I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
"From The Cliff, to Littleton Road, to Carrington and ultimately Old Trafford, the journey so far has been incredible.
"I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.
"We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead."
Analysis: Mainoo deal ends bizarre Amorim chapter
Sky Sports' Zinny Boswell:
The sight of Kobbie Mainoo signing a new contract will come as a relief to everyone connected with Manchester United after Ruben Amorim's bizarre treatment of the midfielder sparked serious doubts about his long-term future.
Few things have reflected as badly on Amorim's judgement at Old Trafford as the 21-year-old's form since his sacking. Michael Carrick has started Mainoo in every match he has been available for and United are now on the brink of Champions League qualification.
Mainoo's performances have also earned him a recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, who had overlooked the United midfielder since he took the job because of Amorim's refusal to give him first-team opportunities.
Amorim insisted he rated Mainoo yet did nothing to show it. He was restricted to a single start this season, at Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, despite United's midfield being a glaring issue in Amorim's malfunctioning 3-4-2-1 formation.
It is easy to forget that Mainoo asked to leave last summer – but crucially only on loan. The United academy graduate's patience has paid off, albeit at the expense of missing out on consistent first-team football for at least 12 months, and this agreement puts that chapter to bed.
Had United persisted with Amorim, they may have dispensed of a midfielder who, according to Jason Wilcox, has the potential "to develop into one of the best players in the world". Thankfully for all parties, Mainoo stays where he belongs.
Interest growing in Man Utd winger Sancho
Interest in Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho is growing.
Sky Sports News has been told an unnamed Italian club has made "initial enquiries" over a move this summer.
As previously reported, Borussia Dortmund has already confirmed they have made contact over a return to the club for Sancho.
Sancho's contract at United is up in the summer and his representatives are free to talk to clubs outside England.
United hold an option to extend his contract for a further year, but it's understood they will not be exercising that option.
Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa and is in no rush to make a decision about his future.
He wants to assess all his options in the summer and staying in the Premier League has not been ruled out.
Barca want Rashford on loan for second year
Barcelona are interested in a second season-long loan deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
The Spanish giants have the option to buy the on-loan 28-year-old permanently this summer for £26m but financial circumstances mean they are reluctant to trigger it.
Sky Sports News has previously reported Man United have no intention to renegotiate the fee agreed.
Barcelona are therefore considering making another loan proposal when talks renew at the end of the season
