- Manchester United close to new Kobbie Mainoo contract
- Club want Bruno Fernandes to stay
- Manuel Ugarte on the way out
Manchester United are already putting plans in place for the summer and beyond. That includes sorting out the future of Kobbie Mainoo, who is now back where he belongs, valued as one of the most important players at Old Trafford.
Mainoo was in action on Monday night and put in arguably his best performance of the season. The Reds beat Brentford 2-1 to all but confirm Champions League football next season.
United fans will be hoping to see Bruno Fernandes captain the team in Europe and it appears that’s what INEOS want. But the co-owners seemingly don’t feel Manuel Ugarte has a future at the club.
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Mainoo Contract Update
Mainoo is set to sign a contract extension, ending more than a year of speculation about his future at United. The academy graduate looked to be headed for the exit door under Ruben Amorim, who somehow didn’t appreciate his talent.
Michael Carrick replaced Amorim in January and immediately reintegrated the 20-year-old into his starting XI. It’s reaped rewards both on and off the pitch and a new long-term deal is close to being confirmed.
SullyTalkz reports that Mainoo’s base wage will be £135,000 per week, with the contract including performance-based add-ons. His family are with him in Manchester today (April 29th) to put pen to paper.
United Want Fernandes Stay
Fernandes’ future was also uncertain last summer after Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal offered him a staggering salary to make the move to the Middle East. The Red Devils captain turned this down and opted to stay.
The 31-year-old will have a year left on his contract this summer, but the club don’t want him going anywhere. A report from James Tucker of The Telegraph claims that United are “determined” to keep the Portuguese playmaker, but the playmaker wants “reassurances” about United’s ambition.
Fernandes has been at Old Trafford since January 2020 and has become the team’s talisman. He’s enjoyed his best season to date, registering eight goals and 20 assists in 33 games across competitions.
Ugarte Going
A nightmare spell for Ugarte is seemingly about to end, as reports claim his representative is meeting Jorge Mendes to expedite his departure. The Reds want to make around €28m (£24m) from his sale.
Atletico Madrid and Napoli are both thought to be interested in the Uruguayan midfielder who cost £50m from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024. There’s no word on whether any offers have been made.
Ugarte’s expected departure will mean another midfielder heads for the exit door. Casemiro is also leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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