Manchester United have put contract renewal talks with academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo on hold amid growing exit links.

Kobbie Mainoo’s future has been a big talking point since the start of the summer. The English international was pushing for a move away throughout the last transfer window, but the club decided against it. However, he hasn’t had enough minutes so far this season; as a result, there is a lot of uncertainty around his future moving forward.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Red Devils have now decided to put contract renewal talks with the 20-year-old on hold, as his short-term future at the club is up in the air.

Mainoo has come up the ranks at Old Trafford and has been a part of their first team since 2023. While he was an integral part of their plans under Erik ten Hag, things have been a lot different for him under Ruben Amorim.

Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United

The Portuguese manager is not certain about him being ready for a starting role in his team. As a result, Mainoo was keen on securing a temporary exit in the summer. While he was heavily linked with a move away, Amorim blocked a potential exit.

The English international has failed to make an impact this season. Kobbie Mainoo has only been involved in eight games and has not started a league fixture so far. The 20-year-old is frustrated by the lack of minutes and is keen on parting ways in January.

However, Manchester United are unwilling to let him leave on loan mid-season, as Amorim does not intend to weaken his squad with his eyes set on a Champions League spot.

Amidst uncertainty around his future at the club, United have made a decision regarding his contract. His current deal runs until the summer of 2027, and the club has an option to extend it by another 12 months. While they were considering handing him a new deal, talks around extending his contract have now become uncertain.

Petr O’Rourke’s take on Mainoo’s future

While speaking about his contract situation on the Inside Track podcast, O’Rourke said, “I’m sure it’s (handing Mainoo a new contract) something that Man United would definitely be interested in doing.

“They’ve been in talks with Mainoo for a while now over a new contract. Suggestions are now that contract talks have been put on hold because of his uncertain future at Old Trafford.

“We know Mainoo was interested in a move away in the summer window as he knew he wasn’t going to be playing in Ruben Amorim’s side. I don’t think he’s started a Premier League game so far this season.

“For United, on their part, they don’t really want to lose Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s why they blocked the move in the summer window and obviously I think they’d be reluctant to let him go in January as well because United want to be competing in that top four, if they can.”

Manchester United were keen on handing him a new deal following his sensational rise. While they were in talks with his camp, those talks have been put on hold as his future remains uncertain. The Red Devils want to keep hold of him, but if he does not get enough minutes going forward, it will become a very difficult task.