Manchester United midfielder Koby Mainu has signed a new five-year contract until 2031.
The 21-year-old’s previous contract at Old Trafford, which he signed in 2023 when he was just 17, is due to expire in the summer of 2027, and his new terms better reflect his progress and current status in the first team.
Mainu’s long-term future at United was in doubt under manager Ruben Amorim, who limited him to just one start in the Carabao Cup this season before being sacked in January.
The academy graduate, who requested a loan move in the summer, returned to a central role under manager Michael Carrick and was recalled to the England squad thanks to his impressive performances for United.
Koby Mainu signs long-term contract with Manchester United
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 Coby has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he has developed into one of the best players in the world and is ready to play a central role in a Manchester United team that challenges 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 a 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley 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’s FA Youth Cup win last season.
Koby Mainu scores the winning goal in the 2024 FA Cup Final victory between Manchester United and Manchester City
Mainou told the club’s website: “Manchester United has always been my home. This special club means everything to my family.
“I have grown up watching the impact the club has on the city and I enjoy the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
“It has been an incredible journey so far, from Cliff to Lyttleton Road to Carrington and finally Old Trafford.
“I have the privilege of living my dream every day with the same constant desire to succeed here that I had when I attended my first training session at the age of six.
“We can all feel the momentum building within the club and I am determined to step up and do my part to help Manchester United compete regularly for major trophies over the next few years.”
Analysis: The Mynu deal brings an end to the strange Amorim chapter
Ruben Amorim sent off Maynou in the cold against Manchester
Ginny Boswell from Sky Sports:
The sight of Koby Mainu signing a new contract will come as a relief to everyone involved at Manchester United after Ruben Amorim’s bizarre treatment of the midfielder raised serious doubts over his long-term future.
Few things reflect Amorim’s decisions at Old Trafford more poorly than the 21-year-old’s form since his sacking. Michael Carrick has started Maynou in every game available and United are now on the brink of Champions League qualification.
Mainu’s performances earned him a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, but Tuchel has overlooked the United midfielder since his arrival as Amorim refused to give him first-team minutes.
Amorim claimed to value Mainu, but did nothing to show it. He was limited to one start this season, at Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, despite United’s midfield being an obvious problem in Amorim’s dysfunctional 3-4-2-1 formation.
It’s easy to forget that Mainu asked to leave the club last summer, but what matters is that he only went on loan. The United academy graduate’s patience has paid off, even at the cost of missing out on consistent first-team football for at least 12 months, and this agreement closes that chapter.
Had United insisted on signing Amorim, they could have traded away a midfielder who, according to Jason Wilcox, has the potential to “grow into one of the best players in the world”. Thank you to all involved, but Mainu will remain where he is.
Interest in Manchester United winger Sancho grows
Interest in Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho is growing.
Sky Sports News reported that an unnamed Italian club had made an “initial inquiry” regarding a move this summer.
As previously reported, Borussia Dortmund have already confirmed that they have contacted Sancho regarding his return to the club.
Sancho’s contract with United runs until the summer and his agent is free to negotiate with clubs outside England.
United have an option to extend his contract by a further year, but it is understood they will not exercise 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 consider all options in the summer and has not ruled out remaining in the Premier League.
Barça want Rashford on loan for second year
Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford for a second season on loan.
The Spanish giants have an option to sign the 28-year-old on loan on a permanent basis this summer for £26 million, but are reluctant to activate it due to their financial situation.
Sky Sports News previously reported that Man United had no intention of renegotiating the agreed fee.
As a result, Barcelona are reportedly considering making a new loan offer when negotiations resume at the end of the season.
