Explained: Why Man Utd are in 'no rush' to tie teenage wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo down to long-term contract

The 18-year-old midfielder is currently working on a deal that is due to run until 2027. That means there is no rush for the Red Devils to agree fresh terms. The Premier League outfit are, however, eager to reward his emergence as a first-team star.

Academy graduate Mainoo has taken in 19 appearances for United this season, scoring his first two senior goals, and has not looked out of place in the Old Trafford engine room. There has been talk of him earning an England call-up ahead of Euro 2024.

There has also been speculation regarding an extended deal through to 2030, on an improved salary, but Fabrizio Romano has explained why there is no sense of urgency on both sides of those discussions. He has said: “Manchester United have already opened talks with Kobbie Mainoo's camp over new deal since the beginning of February, as revealed. Discussions are taking place about salary rise, no rush as Mainoo is happy at United and club want to have Kobbie as one of new project faces.”

With Mainoo “happy” as things are, and with there no immediate threat of him being lured elsewhere, United can afford to be patient and play the long game as they look to ensure that they are the ones to benefit from the undoubted potential in the hottest of prospects.