Man Utd and Mainoo contract talks ADVANCE - Romano

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 18 Sept 2024 14:02 BST
• 3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has delivered the news that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is in talks with the club over a fresh deal and things are "advancing."

The youngster breakout as one of the club's most important players this year. He did so well during the second half of the 2023-24 season that he was given a starting role for England during their European Championship ventures this summer.

And now Italian reporter Romano has stated that discussions over a fresh deal are going well. He said via his YouTube channel: "Man Utd are prepared to advance in contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo soon.

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"Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new people at the club want him to be one of the main faces of this new project, and Mainoo is very happy at United."

It comes after FootballTransfers' exclusive story in which we revealed that Ineos chief Ratcliffe will make Mainoo the new face of Man Utd.

Sources inform us that plans are being put into place ahead of the 2024/25 season to increase his presence in promotional material. Ultimately, over Marcus Rashford, the 19-year-old will be the star of the show.

Mainoo's rise to prominence and popularity has, of course, not gone unnoticed by Ratcliffe, the key figure in Man Utd's new ownership structure.

Mainoo supplants Rashford

The Ineos boss believes that Mainoo embodies the values and aspirations of the Manchester outfit. Up until this point, Rashford has been the symbol of Man Utd for several years. However, recent off-field issues and a dip in form, which saw him come under fire last season, have led to the search for a new leading figure.

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Mainoo, with a maturity beyond his years and consistent performances, is seen as the ideal candidate to take on Rashford's mantle.

Sources have told us this process will involve significant public relations and marketing efforts, showcasing the youngster's journey with United and his rise within the England national team.

Fans can expect to see more of Mainoo in promotional materials, interviews and community events. His rise to prominence represents a new chapter for Man Utd, with a renewed focus on nurturing and celebrating young talent.