
Manchester United
Premier League • England
Ten Hag all smiles as Man Utd complete midfield deal, another ‘advanced’ despite major issue

Erik ten Hag taking Manchester United training
Man Utd have confirmed an important deal has crossed the line after a midfielder who’s nearing a landmark moment signed a ‘long-term contract’ at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were content to sanction just a trio of loan arrivals in the winter window. Jack Butland replaced the recalled Martin Dubravka when joining from Crystal Palace.
Wout Weghorst filled the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo, while an unfortunate ankle injury suffered by Christian Eriksen prompted a deadline day move for Marcel Sabitzer.
Those moves were all short-term fixes, though given how excellently the first half of the campaign has unfolded, manager Erik ten Hag will be in Manchester for the long haul.
Aiding the Dutchman’s cause in the years to come will be the breakthrough of the club’s academy stars. If United can find another player the calibre of Marcus Rashford, for example, his task – both on the pitch and in the market – will be made a whole lot simpler.
One player with the world at his feet is midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 17-year-old has represented England at Under-17 and Under-18 level and despite his tender age, debuted for United this season in the EFL Cup.
He’s been named on the bench in the Premier League for five of the last seven matches. Clearly, the landmark moment of making his top flight debut is not far off.
Now, Man Utd have confirmed Mainoo has committed his future to the club for the long haul.
One Man Utd contract signed, another close?
A club statement read: “Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new long-term contract at the club.
“Mainoo is another product of the club’s outstanding Academy system and is one of eight graduates to play for the first team this season.
“The 17-year-old has featured in different competitions in 2022/23, making his full debut in the Carabao Cup against Charlton Athletic and his second appearance in the FA Cup against Reading.
“He has been named in Erik ten Hag’s matchday squad for six Premier League games too.
“Kobbie has also represented the Under-18s and Under-21s, putting in strong performances in the Papa Johns Trophy against Carlisle United, Fleetwood Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
“The midfielder, who joined the club at the age of nine, has played for England up to Under-18 level.
“Mainoo will be looking to hone his talents behind the scenes and maintain his development at the club in the coming months and years.”
Aside from Mainoo, details of a new deal for the rather more experienced David de Gea could soon follow.
Major salary issue won’t scupper De Gea deal
Football Insider recently reported United are in ‘advanced talks’ over a contract extension with the veteran Spaniard.
However, due to the so-called ‘Ronaldo rule’, De Gea will be forced into taking a massive pay-cut.
Ten Hag is reportedly behind the change of stance that will see no United players earn more than £200,000 from here on out.
De Gea currently pockets around £375,000-a-week and normally, a drastic cut of around 47 percent would be enough to make a player balk.
However, De Gea is understood to be keen on extending his stay in Manchester and all the signs thus far point towards harmonious negotiations.