Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has given Old Trafford fans a huge boost by admitting the club are close to a breakthrough in contract talks for “phenomenal” midfielder Coby Mainu.
The 20-year-old sensation, who has become an undisputed key figure in United’s engine room, is expected to sign a lucrative long-term deal that will cement his place as a cornerstone of the club’s future.
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Carrick says Koby Mainu’s new contract is ‘close’
In his pre-match press conference on Monday morning, Carrick spoke about the growing speculation surrounding the England international’s future.
Some of Europe’s elite are reportedly monitoring the situation and the United manager was keen to project stability and confidence regarding the ongoing negotiations.
Carrick said (quoted by Fabrizio Romano):
“You know we’re thinking positively because things are coming up.
“We are calm but thinking positively. Time will tell what will happen, but at the moment we are in a good place.”
The new contract is expected to significantly increase Mainoo’s annual salary, reflecting his rapid development over the past 12 months and the importance he places on the tactical system that Carrick has implemented since taking the reins.
Mainu turned his career around at Man United under Carrick.
There was no doubting Mainu’s talent, but his trajectory under Carrick’s direct tutelage was extraordinary.
Mainu struggled for minutes under coach Ruben Amorim and was threatened with an abrupt departure in January.
However, Carrick inserted Maynou directly into midfield and the Englishman has been one of the first names on the team sheet ever since.
Under his guidance, Mainu discovered a new level of positional discipline and was able to dominate the midfield against top opponents in the league.
