Manchester United are accelerating contract renewals for first-team duo Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
United's fortunes have changed for the better this season, going from 15th in the Premier League last term to third at present. Michael Carrick has instilled a positivity that wasn't previously evident, and he looks most likely to take the manager role at Old Trafford permanently.
For United, having somebody at the top with a connection to the club seems to have been one of the most important factors in their turnaround, and it seems Carrick feels the same is true on the field.
Predecessor Ruben Amorim was evidently not a fan of academy graduate Mainoo, who was given just a handful of minutes under him this season, and Carrick has started the midfielder in every game he's been in charge for.
He has also given former United captain Maguire starts in every one of his games, and the centre-back was rewarded for a return to the England fold as a result.
The pair's resurgence under Carrick is soon to be followed by a contract extension each, according to transfer insider Romano.
Maguire and Mainoo to earn new contracts
The insider has revealed the details of their contract renewals, which United seemingly want sorted prior to the World Cup, where both men could be in the England squad.
Romano said on YouTube: “Let me start by mentioning that Manchester United, with Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo returning from the national team, are now prepared to accelerate and formally close both new contracts for the players before the World Cup.
“So this is the mission before the end of the season – sign everything with Kobbie Mainoo, 2031, and with Harry Maguire to extend the contract for one more season, 2027 plus option 2028 club option.
“So the negotiation is already very advanced with Kobbie Mainoo, almost done, with Maguire who will sign soon and so Man United plan to announce everything before the end of the season.
“This is the club’s wish now working with the lawyers of the players, with the camp of the players to sort everything but advancing very well for both Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to be important parts of Manchester United project, not just this season but also for the future.”
There are certain to be signings made by United in the summer, particularly as whoever is in charge then will be in their first transfer window as the club's boss, but keeping a core of players who know the club will stand them in good stead given the evidence of the form of Maguire and Mainoo under Carrick.
