Man Utd make immediate Kobbie Mainoo transfer decision after announcing Casemiro exit | Football | Sport

Manchester United have adopted a fresh stance on the future of Kobbie Mainoo after confirming that Casemiro will leave at the end of the season. The veteran midfielder will depart Old Trafford when his current contract expires in the summer. The announcement came out of the blue, with Casemiro having become a regular again over the course of this season.

In a statement, the 33-year-old said: “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life. From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club. It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months.

“We still have a lot to fight for together. My complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”

Just hours after it was confirmed that Casemiro would be leaving at the end of the campaign, it emerged that United had made a decision regarding Mainoo’s future.

He endured a difficult first half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim, who denied him a single Premier League start. Mainoo was unhappy at United in the summer and asked to leave the club on loan, but saw his request turned down.

The youngster’s situation led to rumours of a potential January exit, with Napoli thought to be among the interested parties. However, his fortunes have drastically improved since Amorim was relieved of his duties earlier this month.

Mainoo was picked to start the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and played the full 90 minutes in the Manchester derby over the weekend. He appears to have gained the trust of Michael Carrick and that has been reflected in this latest development.

According to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are preparing to open talks with Mainoo and his camp over a potential new contract.

The report states there has been initial contact with Mainoo’s representatives with a view to agreeing a ‘vastly improved’ deal that would include a significant pay increase.

Mainoo’s current salary is among the smallest of all the members of the first-team squad, but United are keen to reflect his standing by offering him a wage comparable to the rest of his team-mates.

It comes after earlier reports suggested that Mainoo was eager to stay at Old Trafford, having been brought back into the fold by Carrick.

He has reportedly been informed that he will remain a key player for United until the end of the season, so long as he maintains his form.