Kobe Maino: Manchester United wants to open contract talks with the midfielder

Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher started the 20-year-old in the FA Cup third round loss to Brighton this month, and Maino retained his place for Michael Carrick’s first game in charge as United convincingly beat Manchester City in a derby clash last weekend.

Carrick faced Maino for the first time towards the end of his time as a player at the club.

Carrick said: “This club needs young players.

“They are the foundation of the club – they understand what it means – and for the fans as well.

“It’s something we need to continue to build on and Kobe is a prime example.

“I was working with him when I was 13 or 14 when I was getting my (coaching) badges.

“To progress so quickly and rise so quickly and play in some big games at such a young age shows a lot of quality in terms of his character and ability to handle it.”

Maino has signed a contract in 2023, but it was believed a new deal would be agreed following his goalscoring contribution in United’s 2024 FA Cup Final win over City, which was followed by England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

However, there was no agreement, and the treatment he received after Amorim’s arrival left Maino’s camp wondering whether United would value him.