Carrick positive over new Mainoo deal ahead of Leeds clash

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has expressed optimism that the club is on the verge of tying academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to a new long-term contract. The proposed deal, understood to run until 2031, will also bring a substantial wage increase for the 20-year-old midfielder.

Speaking ahead of Monday evening’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United at Old Trafford, Carrick struck a relaxed tone about the negotiations. “It’s getting closer, so we’re positive with that,” he said, adding that United are “in a good place” regarding the agreement.

Mainoo’s status had been the subject of uncertainty earlier in the campaign under former manager Ruben Amorim, who departed in January after a public dispute with the club hierarchy. The midfielder had yet to start a league fixture under Amorim, but his fortunes shifted following a 1-1 draw against Leeds that preceded the managerial change.

Carrick, who was vacationing in Barbados when he received the surprise call to take interim charge, recalled: “There wasn’t really any sign of it at that stage.” Since his appointment, United have collected seven victories and climbed to third in the table, leaving them 13 points shy of guaranteed Champions League qualification.

Reflecting on the transformation, Carrick acknowledged the scale of the rebuild after last season’s 15th-place finish. “As a club, we want to be challenging right at the top,” he stated, underlining the importance of returning to Europe’s elite club competition. “The Champions League just brings so many positive things.”

With five fixtures remaining, the United boss is refusing to lower standards. “We need to try and get used to being in there more often,” he concluded, setting the stage for a pivotal clash against Leeds that could further cement United’s top-four ambitions.

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