Manchester United are reportedly ‘struggling’ to secure contract extensions for young stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Both players are expected to survive a major overhaul of Ruben Amorim’s squad over the coming years.
But a failure to secure long-term contracts for the duo could cause problems further down the line. Amorim might not be able to build his team around two of his most talented players if they do not commit their futures to Old Trafford.
Mainoo and Garnacho both signed long-term contract extensions last year. While the England midfielder’s contract length was simply described as “long-term”, the latter’s terms expire in 2027.
United have time to agree new contracts with both players but the longer they tick towards their final 18 months, the more nervous club officials may get. According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are currently ‘struggling’ to seal extensions to their respective deals.
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Mainoo has been a revelation since his breakthrough during Erik ten Hag’s reign. Last season, the teenager’s dramatic rise saw him win a place in United’s starting 11 prior to Christmas and by the summer he was starting each of England’s knockout matches at Euro 2024, including the final.
The 19-year-old has started all but two of United’s seven Premier League matches under Amorim. One of those absences - the 2-0 defeat against Arsenal - came as a result of a one-match suspension.
Garnacho has endured a tougher time under Amorim. The 20-year-old was excluded from the squad for the Manchester derby victory over Manchester City. Unlike Marcus Rashford, he has since been reintegrated but has not started since the 3-2 defeat by Nottingham Forest earlier this month.
It is unclear whether Garnacho fits into either of the double No. 10 roles that Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation demands. The Argentina international is better when he plays wider and is more adept at dribbling at a full-back than receiving possession in more central areas.
United will still be desperate for two of their best young players to commit their long-term futures to the club. Especially with so much upheaval set to take place at Old Trafford in 2025.
Club chiefs are expected to listen to offers for Rashford in January. The exiled forward has been offered to several clubs around Europe but his wage demands may scupper any switch.
