Man Utd make major contract decision on two stars straight after Bournemouth draw
An update has been issued on the futures of Man Utd stars Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo in the aftermath of the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
On Friday (20 March), United led twice against the Cherries but were ultimately pegged back, before having to settle for a point, which leaves them third in the Premier League after 31 matches.
Bruno Fernandes’ penalty broke the deadlock just after the hour, before Ryan Christie levelled things six minutes later, making it 1-1.
Just four minutes later, the away side regained their lead thanks to James Hill’s own goal. But there was one final twist as Maguire was sent off for a challenge on Evanilson in the penalty area before Junior Kroupi made it 2-2 from the ensuing spot-kick on 81 minutes.
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Maguire’s moment of misfortune came on the same day as he was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with the defender previously omitted from the German’s squad in November.
His team-mate Mainoo, who also started against Bournemouth, was also recalled after a resurgence in his form since Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as United boss.
As reported by Sky Sports News, sources say that negotiations over both players’ United contracts are at an advanced stage, although no verbal agreement has been made yet.
Maguire’s current contract, worth £195,000 per week, is set to expire at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, while Mainoo’s deal, worth £25,000 per week, will run until 2027.
Sky Sports News claim that both sides are hopeful that the paperwork could be completed by April.
Mainoo’s deal will likely involve a wage increase to bring him in line with fellow first-team players’ earnings, with the midfielder last penning a deal when he was 17 back in 2023.
As for Maguire, who turns 34 in March 2027, it has reportedly not been decided whether he will see a change in his salary. The club are keen on Maguire staying beyond next season, with the option of a further year supposedly being discussed.
After the draw at Bournemouth, Carrick discussed both players’ futures, saying: “Contract negotiations with players are always ongoing, so you hope whatever it is gets done in the right way. Both have been great, and being back in the England squad is what they deserve. I'm not getting involved in how close things are, but they've both done great.”
United return to action at home against Leeds on 13 April.
Topics: Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Premier League, Football, Transfer News, Man Utd
Luke Davies