Manchester United’s stance on Kobbie Mainoo contract talks amid Barcelona transfer links

Manchester United remain relaxed about Kobbie Mainoo’s contract situation as he caps off his breakthrough season with a first international tour with England.

Mainoo has been outstanding for United this season, ending his first year as a member of the first team with a goal in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. Despite making just 35 senior appearances, he has already made his England debut and came off the bench in the opener against Serbia on Sunday night.

The 19-year-old’s performances have been so impressive this season that other clubs have begun to admire the quality of the Stockport-born midfielder, with Barcelona linked with an interest in Mainoo in the Catalan media. United have made the academy graduate one of their unsalable assets this summer.

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But they are in no rush to tie him down to a new deal, while Mainoo’s representatives have not been pushed to secure new terms. If he excels during Euro 2024, that could strengthen his hand in the talks.

Mainoo signed a long-term deal at his boyhood club in February 2023 and that deal has three years to run, with the option of an extra year included. That deal came at a time when he had made just two first-team appearances, playing a total of 77 minutes.

He has since become a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s side and Mainoo has started 27 of the last 28 games in all competitions, scoring five goals during the campaign.

The terms of the contract he signed 15 months ago are understood to have improved in that time, with a number of triggers included in that deal which saw him earn pay rises as his prominence in the team raised, so Mainoo has a salary. according to his status in the team.

That is a key reason why both sides are relaxed about the current situation in what is the first summer transfer window with Ineos running football operations at United.