Manchester United have been advised to hold off on contract negotiations with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with former striker Louis Saha urging the club to prioritise the youngster’s development and consistent game time.

Mainoo has recently returned to the starting lineup under manager Michael Carrick after struggling for regular minutes earlier in the season under former boss Ruben Amorim. During Amorim’s tenure, the England international faced strong competition in midfield, particularly alongside captain Bruno Fernandes, which sparked speculation about a possible January exit.

Since Carrick’s arrival, however, Mainoo has shown promising form, delivering strong performances in Premier League wins against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Despite this, Manchester United are reportedly keen to open discussions over an improved contract, even though his current deal runs until 2027.

Saha believes the club and player should focus solely on football for now. He stressed that Mainoo must continue improving, scoring more goals, providing assists and building consistency rather than getting distracted by contract negotiations or transfer speculation.

The former United forward also suggested that Mainoo needs a sustained run of matches to prove himself, adding that long-term rewards should come naturally if his performances continue to improve.

Saha also reflected on Mainoo’s time under Amorim, noting that while the Portuguese coach had a different tactical vision, it did not mean the midfielder lacked quality. He explained that different managers require different profiles, and tactical decisions are part of football development.

There is growing belief that the managerial change could help unlock Mainoo’s full potential, as Manchester United look to rebuild stability and consistency across the squad.