Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is in line for a significant contract windfall as he cements his status as a first-team regular under Erik ten Hag, according to reports. The 18-year-old has emerged as United’s latest breakout academy star and looks set for an important role throughout the remainder of the campaign.
It was clear that Mainoo’s senior breakthrough was incoming when he starred alongside Alejandro Garnacho in the club’s 2022 FA Youth Cup triumph.
Last season, Ten Hag transitioned Garnacho into his first team, handing the 19-year-old winger 34 appearances in all competitions.
The Dutchman gave Mainoo his senior debut in the same campaign, with 60 minutes against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup one of three outings.
But it’s his turn to transition into first-team football permanently this term, now that he’s returned from a frustrating pre-season injury.
Mainoo stole the show in last Sunday’s 3-0 win against Everton at Goodison Park, producing a composed display in midfield on a hostile Merseyside night.
That was no mean feat, especially considering his U18s team-mate Garnacho scored one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever goals in the same match.
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The Stockport-born midfielder made his Champions League bow in midweek, featuring off the bench in – again – hostile conditions in Istanbul against Galatasaray.
Ten Hag has confirmed he is managing Mainoo’s workload, having been sidelined since the summer after his eye-catching exploits on United’s pre-season tour were interrupted by injury.
But the Red Devils No 37 is expected to become a regular fixture in the midfield as the season goes on, and that will come with a reward.
According to the Daily Star, Mainoo is set to double his earnings without signing a new United contract.
He penned a new deal until 2026 earlier this year worth £10,000 a week, including a clause which would see him earn a 100 per cent pay rise once he becomes a first-team regular.
Mainoo will imminently trigger his new £20,000-a-week salary, and is bound to be attracting interest from popular brands to further boost his earnings.
Ten Hag has brought a stricter approach to United’s contract policy. He will only sanction new deals for senior players in his plans and youth stars if he believes they are worth investing in.
So it came as no surprise to see Mainoo commit his future to the club in his maiden season in charge, and Ten Hag will have no qualms about the England U19 international’s wage increase as his meteoric ascent continues.
