Michael Carrick Sparks Excitement as He Reveals Man Utd Are 'Getting Closer' to a Major Boost

Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick has revealed that Kobbie Mainoo is edging closer to penning a new deal at Old Trafford, though decisions remain pending on three other players whose contracts are winding down.

Having been on the verge of departing under previous manager Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has reclaimed his importance at Old Trafford since Carrick took charge. Across his last 10 appearances, Mainoo has accumulated more than half the playing time he received throughout his 40 outings under the Amorim regime.

When asked whether he was optimistic that Mainoo would follow center back Harry Maguire in committing to a new deal, Carrick said: "We'd like to think so, and it's getting closer, so we're positive with that.

"We're calm with it, but we're positive with it, and time will tell how it goes. But at the moment, we are in a good place."

Mainoo's existing contract runs through 2027, meaning United face no immediate pressure to finalize an extension. Nevertheless, a number of players are in the final months of their deals, with decisions required sooner rather than later.

Carrick: Contract Decisions Not Sorted Yet

While Casemiro's departure has already been confirmed, United still need to determine the futures of goalkeeper Tom Heaton, left back Tyrell Malacia, and on-loan winger Jadon Sancho, all of whose contracts expire this summer.

Among the three, only Sancho's deal contains a 12-month extension clause.

"I think coming to the summer, there's contracts, and there's all sorts of things that need to be sorted out, but at this stage, to that stage, it's not been sorted out just yet," Carrick acknowledged.

"I think we'll cross that bridge a little bit further down the line, but it's great to have Harry sorted and clarity in that situation. Casemiro was a little bit before me really, so I wasn't particularly involved in that, but I think as time goes, everything ends up getting sorted out.

"We're just not at that stage where anything else is sorted just yet."

More Departures the Only Way Forward

Heaton, who celebrates his 40th birthday later this week, is well-regarded in his capacity as third-choice goalkeeper. He has featured just three times since rejoining the club in 2021 and has not set foot on the pitch since February 2023.

A one-year renewal could be on the table for the veteran shot-stopper, but United must avoid doing the same with either Malacia or Sancho.

United spent approximately $17 million (£15 million) to acquire Malacia in 2022 and received solid contributions from the left back in his first season before a serious knee injury disrupted his career. He has managed just 323 minutes for the Red Devils since the summer of 2023, and a mixed loan stint with PSV Eindhoven in the latter half of last season did little to enhance his standing.

Offering Malacia an extension would be purely a move by United to safeguard the asset's value, but the reality is that potential buyers for the 26-year-old are so scarce that retaining him could ultimately cost more than any transfer fee they might hold out for.

With a potential $17 million loss, United may not be overly troubled, but that dilemma becomes far more complicated in the case of Sancho and his $90 million (£73 million) price tag.

Absorbing such a staggering loss on Sancho would be deeply embarrassing for the Red Devils, yet there appears to be no viable alternative, given his substantial wages — reportedly as high as $400,000 (£300,000) per week.

United could activate the extra year on his contract and attempt a sale, but the transfer market is unlikely to be favorable following disappointing loan spells at both Chelsea and Aston Villa. Any fee generated would be negligible — and given United's weak bargaining position, there is no certainty any club would even be willing to pay for Sancho.

Moving on and absorbing the enormous financial hit is, perhaps surprisingly, the only decision that makes economic sense.