(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 9 March 2026 6:30, UK

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Kobbie Mainoo is focused on performing on the pitch as new contract talks with Manchester United are now expected to accelerate in the summer.

The 20-year-old has recently returned to the starting XI under Michael Carrick and is focused on performing for United and making a late push for the England squad.

He has not been involved at international level at all so far this season, but aims to make an impression on Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Mainoo’s on-pitch form has taken precedence over any talks about his future.

However, he remains committed to his boyhood club and is being backed to sign a new deal as Man United step up their ambitious transfer plans.

Kobbie Mainoo’s new focus after Man United talks

Football Insider revealed on 6 March that Man United are confident of extending Mainoo’s stay despite contract talks stalling during the latest round of talks.

His current contract is set to expire in 2027 and he will have one year remaining in the summer, but talks are expected to take place towards the end of the season.

For now, though, he hopes to continue impressing under Carrick with the World Cup looming, and being successful for United will be a major boost to his ambitions.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, look, obviously, for Kobbie Mainoo right now, it’s about playing well as he is under Michael Carrick.

“He’s been a regular starter since Carrick replaced Amorim at Old Trafford as well.

“I think Mainoo, obviously being a United boy, having come through the ranks, he’ll be more than happy to stay at the club.

“I would imagine those talks will re-open soon and we will see Kobbie Mainoo sign a new contract at Old Trafford, because he’s proved himself in these last few weeks.

“I think it will be resolved during the summer, because Mainoo has become a key man for United and is playing his way back into England reckoning.

“He’s focused at the moment on playing well for United, hopefully getting them into the Champions League and then he will be in with a chance of going to the World Cup.

“Mainoo is happier with his role now, and Man United always wanted to keep him.”

Who are Mainoo’s competitors for an England squad spot?

Despite turning in some impressive performances since his return to the starting XI earlier this year, it is not a formality that Mainoo will be involved with England.

While the Man United star was confined to the bench under Ruben Amorim, Tuchel has blooded new talents as part of his plans for the World Cup.

Sources have told Football Insider that Elliot Anderson is a top target for Man United, and Mainoo’s potential future midfield partner is also his rival for an England spot.

The Nottingham Forest star has established himself as one of Tuchel’s favourites in recent months and is widely expected to go to the USA with the squad.

Another Man United target, Adam Wharton, is also a contender for the deeper midfield spot, while the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are nailed-on.