Manchester United preparing new contract for Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United are readying a new contract for midfield prodigy Kobbie Mainoo , according to Sky Sports .

Mainoo recently started his first Premier League game of the season in last Saturday’s 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City.

Before that, he had struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim, which fuelled talks of a potential exit.

However, the dismissal of Amorim means Mainoo is now set for a key role, with interim manager Michael Carrick a huge fan.

With 18 months left on the midfielder’s current deal, United want to ward off any interest in their academy graduate, who was wanted on loan by Napoli last summer.

The Red Devils plan to overhaul their midfield as they prepare for Casemiro’s exit ; Manuel Ugarte could also depart after two lacklustre seasons at Old Trafford.

Alongside a contract renewal for Mainoo, United will be expected to bring in a new midfielder this summer.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba was previously a target, but it remains to be seen if United will revisit a move for the Cameroonian.

Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson is another option, although United will need to fend off interest from Manchester City.

Having crashed out of both domestic cups already, Michael Carrick’s men only have Premier League duty to focus on between now and the end of the season and will be keen to secure a return to the Champions League.

Just one point behind Liverpool in fourth, United travel to the Emirates Stadium for Sunday’s heavyweight meeting against Arsenal.