It is gearing up to be another summer of change at Manchester United, so they must keep some things the same.
The search for a new permanent head coach is underway, with Michael Carrick now viewed by many as the favourite to land the job this summer. Then there comes the bolstering of the first-team playing squad ahead of an anticipated return to Champions League football next season.
United view a midfield refresh as their priority, while they will also look to sign a versatile forward who can play on the left wing and look to reinforce at full-back if required. That’s before you consider any further player exits, and United will be aware of any market opportunities that might arise amid an acknowledgment that more bodies are needed if they are to compete on all fronts next season.
Manchester United hopeful of two new contracts
Manchester United could hand their next head coach a huge transfer boost ahead of the summer transfer window in the form of new contracts for both Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo.
The duo have been at the heart of the club’s resurgence under Michael Carrick, and United would like to tie them both down to new deals if possible. Although there is an obvious desire to get both matters resolved as quickly as possible, United appear to be calm about the situation, with confidence that both contracts will get sorted.
Maguire is the more urgent matter, with the 32-year-old out of contract at the end of the season. There is a growing belief from both sides that a deal will get done, but an agreement must still be reached regarding a potential wage cut and the length of the contract. Maguire would not be short of offers if he decided to look elsewhere, though it is understood his primary focus is on extending his Old Trafford stay beyond the summer.
With his birthday later this week, United are mindful they don’t want to repeat past mistakes and be lumbered with a veteran player on unsustainable wages. There is a confidence that an agreement will be reached soon, but with every passing performance, the experienced defender has made his case even stronger for at least a two-year deal.
In terms of Mainoo, he is still under contract until 2027, while the club also has the option to trigger an additional year in his contract. It means there is no immediate rush to agree to his new deal, though official talks are expected to start soon about extending his stay and rewarding him with a higher wage.
The 20-year-old has triggered all of the performance-related bonuses in his current deal, and the club appreciates that he deserves a higher wage to reflect his increased role in the squad. The only dilemma from a United perspective is what the new wage should be for a talented youngster who still has work to do to become one of the best in the world, and they will want to avoid any situation where he is given too much, too soon.
Whatever happens next, with so much change this summer, keeping Maguire and Mainoo would bring a priceless sense of stability.
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