Kobbie Mainoo is set to play a significant role for Manchester United over the remainder of the season, with his contract situation increasingly likely to become a priority for the club.

Confirmation on Thursday that Casemiro is expected to leave United at the end of the campaign has opened the door for Mainoo to establish himself as a more central figure in the club’s long-term plans. With a key midfield position potentially becoming available, the 19-year-old has a prime opportunity to demonstrate his value at the highest level.

Mainoo returned to the starting lineup last weekend for Michael Carrick’s first match in charge, as United recorded a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. That appearance came after a period on the sidelines under Ruben Amorim, who had largely frozen the midfielder out of the team.

The current phase of the season also presents Mainoo with the chance to strengthen his position in ongoing contract discussions. United are open to revisiting negotiations between now and the summer, and Amorim’s departure has helped ease tensions that previously complicated talks, creating scope for more constructive dialogue.

United initially opened contract discussions with Mainoo after his decisive goal in the 2024 FA Cup final, with at least two further rounds of negotiations taking place since. His existing deal runs until 2027, but the midfielder has long believed his contributions warrant a move away from his status as one of the club’s lower earners.

Mainoo is understood to feel he has the potential to command a salary in excess of £150,000 per week. However, the terms proposed so far are believed to be similar to those agreed by Amad Diallo last January, worth around £110,000 per week.

Under the wage structure introduced by INEOS, United remain committed to a model that ties salary levels closely to a player’s standing within the squad. Mainoo’s current base salary is believed to be around £30,000 per week, and a significant increase would likely depend on him proving that his role within the team merits a higher classification.

Despite strong interest from Napoli, Bayern Munich, and several Premier League clubs during the January window, United have consistently maintained that Mainoo is not for sale.