Manchester United are close to securing two big deals ahead of the summer transfer window as one of their stars has been given an impressive seal of approval
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United return to action against Leeds United next Monday
Things are looking up both on and off the pitch for Manchester United as this summer’s transfer activity starts to take form.
Michael Carrick’s excellent stint as interim boss is beginning to bear fruit and could accelerate a couple of crucial deals. Under Carrick’s guidance, United are now third in the Premier League table ahead of Monday’s fixture against Leeds at home and look set to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The squad flew out to Dublin on Monday for the start of an intensive training week across the Irish Sea, with nearly three weeks having elapsed since their last match. But while there’s been an absence of on-pitch action, the same cannot be said for the club’s behind-the-scenes movements. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick is fighting to earn the Manchester United job permanently(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United double deal close
Given the progress seen under Carrick in recent months, strengthening their position represents a vital next move for the club.
Consequently, it’s understood both Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are nearing new contract agreements at Old Trafford, reports the Mirror.
Securing Mainoo on fresh terms is a particularly encouraging development given how the midfielder was sidelined under Ruben Amorim. But after reclaiming his spot with distinction under Carrick, the club has moved to tie down the player on what is believed to be a new five-year deal.
Maguire is also an urgent priority given his contract is due to run out at the end of this campaign. But transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel this weekend that both players are close to penning new agreements.
Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo could be set to stay at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
“Manchester United, with Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo returning from the national team, are now prepared to accelerate and formally close both new contracts for the players before the World Cup,” he said. “This is the mission, before the end of the season, sign everything.
“With Kobbie Mainoo 2031 and with Harry Maguire to extend for one season until 2027, plus an option for one more year. The negotiation is already very advanced with Kobbie Mainoo, it is almost done with Harry Maguire, who will sign soon.
“Man United plan to announce everything before the end of the season. This is the club’s wish, now working with the player’s camp, everything is advancing very well.”
Mainoo has been revitalised under Carrick and appears to have returned to his former self, a transformation reflected in the calls for him to secure a spot in the World Cup 2026.
Maguire, on the other hand, has regained his confidence and seems capable of at least another year donning United’s colours, with rumours indicating he’ll significantly slash his wages to stay at Old Trafford.
De Bruyne praises Hojlund’s potential
Rasmus Hojlund has been revitalised at Napoli(Image: Getty)
Regarding players who might be exiting the club, Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent transfer to Napoli seems all but confirmed at this point.
Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna even referred to the move as such back in December, given the Dane’s impressive form. The 23-year-old has bagged 14 goals and provided four assists in 37 appearances on loan for Napoli so far this season.
Consistency remains elusive for the player, though it’s evident from remarks made by officials and colleagues that he’s held in high regard in Naples.
Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne is seemingly among those endorsing the forward. And after recently returning to Antonio Conte’s squad following a hamstring injury, the Belgian shared his assessment of the United loanee.
Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin De Bruyne were at the centre of Napoli’s win over Sporting Lisbon(Image: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“He can become a top player, he has great qualities,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport. “He had a difficult time in Manchester, but now he’s doing very well here. He’s still young; he has a lot of time ahead of him.”
The conditions of his loan deal mean Napoli are compelled to purchase Hojlund permanently for £38million should they secure Champions League qualification. That’s appearing extremely probable at present, with the club still very much in the hunt to defend the Serie A title.
It wasn’t so long ago that Hojlund and De Bruyne were rivals across the Manchester divide. But the latter clearly reckons his former opponent has plenty to contribute in a summer transfer that could add substantial funds to United’s war chest.
