Kobbie Mainoo has made his dream club clear amid his Man Utd and England breakthrough.
Kobbie Mainoo has proven he is ready for Euro 2024 call up
Manchester United have plenty of business to do during the summer transfer window. Still, one of the club's current top priorities must be tying down Kobbie Mainoo to an improved contract. The Red Devils midfielder's stock continues to soar after forcing his way into Gareth Southgate's England plans.
Erik ten Hag will be relaxed over Mainoo's future, considering he signed a new deal in February last year until 2027, with the option of a further year.
The 18-year-old's current contract reportedly includes performance-related incentives to boost his salary, leaving United in no rush to agree on fresh terms.
But not many could have predicted that Mainoo would have such an impact this season, especially in the senior national team.
He had yet to play for England's U21s before Southgate fast-tracked his senior call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium this month.
Mainoo received 15 minutes from the bench in the 1-0 defeat against Brazil before earning his first England start and winning the Player of the Match award in the 2-2 draw with Belgium.
The United No. 37 now seems on the verge of securing his spot on the plane to Euro 2024 this summer, despite making just 23 first-team appearances for his boyhood club.
Mainoo has established himself as one of the first names on Ten Hag's teamsheet this season, starting in 15 of United's last 16 matches, including 12 consecutive Premier League outings.
And while his meteoric rise has shone a bright spotlight on his talent, the M16 giants have little reason to fear that he envisages his future elsewhere.
After scoring his first competitive goal for the club in the 97th minute against Wolves, sealing a dramatic 4-3 win at Molineux, Mainoo described making an impact for the club he joined at the age of nine as a dream.
"It is a dream come true. It is a tough place to come. We had to get the win. I have still not come down from it. I still feel like I am dreaming, to be honest," Mainoo told TNT Sports.
"To start playing in the Premier League for my boyhood club has been amazing. Now it's about trying to win more games."
United must ensure Mainoo is satisfied and tie him down to an improved contract before next season to reflect his booming status in the squad.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will know that the Stockport-born maestro is the player around whom to build his blockbuster rebuild based on the past few months alone.
As will Ten Hag, who will rely on Mainoo to have a significant say in whether United finish a difficult season in glory or disappointment.
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