Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has expressed optimism that rising star Kobbie Mainoo is nearing an agreement on a new contract that would keep him at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.
"It's getting closer, so we're positive with that," Carrick stated ahead of United's upcoming match. "Time will tell how it goes but we are calm with it and at the moment, we are in a good place."
The proposed extension, which is expected to run until 2031, would represent a significant commitment from both parties. Mainoo, who only signed his current deal in 2023 as he was breaking into the first team, stands to receive a substantial salary increase that reflects his growing importance to the squad.
Carrick's confidence marks a dramatic shift from just months ago when Mainoo's future appeared uncertain. The 20-year-old midfielder had not started a single Premier League match under previous manager Ruben Amorim and had seen a loan request to Napoli rejected last summer.
The situation changed dramatically after United's 1-1 draw with Leeds United in January, which proved to be Amorim's final match in charge. Carrick, who watched that game while on holiday in Barbados, had no inkling that his own role was about to change so significantly.
"There wasn't really any sign of it at that stage," Carrick recalled. "I was supporting from afar and enjoying time with my family. That's just the way the game goes. It can change quickly."
Since taking over, Carrick has guided United to seven wins in ten matches, propelling the team to third place in the Premier League table. The club now needs just four wins and a draw from their final seven games to secure Champions League qualification.
Despite the impressive turnaround, Carrick remains characteristically measured in his approach.
"You can be in it or you can be out, or results can go one way and can go the other way," he noted. "That's why we can never take anything for granted and you live in the present and what's coming up next week - and keep trying to improve."
When pressed about whether missing Champions League qualification would represent a failure given United's current position, Carrick offered a typically understated response.
"Strong word that," he said of the term "failure," before clarifying: "I didn't say that. No, I wouldn't accept it, no."
The potential contract extension for Mainoo represents part of Carrick's broader vision for building a sustainable, competitive squad at Manchester United, with the young midfielder positioned as a key component of the club's future plans.