Man United pull the plug on Kobbie Mainoo talks
Man United’s new contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo have stalled amid uncertainty around his short-term future at the club.
Kobbie Mainoo has failed to make an impact at Man United this season after a summer in which he seemed set to make a move away.
He has featured just eight times in all competitions so far this term, with no starts as yet in the Premier League.
Football Insider previously revealed that United are refusing to let Mainoo leave on loan in January despite him being desperate for regular first-team football, and a new update has now emerged on his contract status.
Mainoo contract talks on hold with Man United chiefs
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Man United remain reluctant to let the 20-year-old depart in the new year as they aim to compete for a Champions League spot.
His contract at the club runs until 2027, with the club having a one-year extension option on top of that, and talks around extending Mainoo’s existing deal are uncertain as it stands.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I’m sure it’s (handing Mainoo a new contract) something that Man United would definitely be interested in doing.
“They’ve been in talks with Mainoo for a while now over a new contract. Suggestions are now that contract talks have been put on hold because of his uncertain future at Old Trafford.
“We know Mainoo was interested in a move away in the summer window as he knew he wasn’t going to be playing in Ruben Amorim’s side. I don’t think he’s started a Premier League game so far this season.
“For United, on their part, they don’t really want to lose Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s why they blocked the move in the summer window and obviously I think they’d be reluctant to let him go in January as well because United want to be competing in that top four, if they can.”
Joshua Zirkzee more likely to leave Man United in January
While Mainoo could well be denied his move away in January, the same may not be said for fellow outcasted teammate Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutch striker has played just five times for the club so far this season, with just 13 minutes off the bench in the last two months.
Zirkzee is wanted by Serie A giants Roma in the new year, while West Ham and Everton have also been linked with moves for Zirkzee, so he could well remain in the Premier League.
United will only let him depart if they can find a replacement, but Football Insider have revealed that Vitor Roque could move to Old Trafford soon, and by doing so, allow the Dutchman to leave in January.