Manchester United's emerging star is willing to lower his weekly wage demands for a new contract! Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains noncommittal, and his position still needs to be tested.

The UK's Daily Mail reports that although Kobbie Mainoo agreed to compromise on the salary for a new contract, he has not received a reply from Manchester United's senior management. Even after Rúben Amorim was sacked in January this year, some unresolved issues persist between him and the club's leadership.

However, with Michael Carrick reinstating Mainoo in the starting lineup, the chances of him staying and signing a new contract are significantly higher. Both sides still need to reach an agreement again. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS team wants to convey to the 20-year-old English player that no one is indispensable and that being an academy graduate does not justify excessive demands.

With Casemiro's confirmed departure and Manuel Ugarte's poor form limiting his playing opportunities, renewing Mainoo's contract is indeed an unavoidable choice for Manchester United. His current contract runs until June 30, 2027, with an option for an additional year. It must be emphasized that the extra one-year extension clause is a club option that can be activated without the player's consent.

Mainoo will turn 21 next month. This talented English midfielder will still face challenges this summer as Manchester United plans to sign two new midfielders, and he will have to compete with at least one of them for a starting spot. Mainoo's strengths are clear—he can enhance the team's midfield transition in attack—but he does not yet possess the ability to single-handedly manage both offensive and defensive duties. Particularly in defense, his physique, stamina, and physicality limit his coverage area.

Manchester United has denied British media reports claiming the club will renew Mainoo's contract before the end of this season, emphasizing that no formal negotiations for a new agreement have taken place. The club stated that Mainoo is an important part of their future plans, but there is no rush to renew his contract. The management will ignore pressure tactics from his agent, who has suggested interest from several Premier League clubs, as the Red Devils still have two years and hold all the leverage.

Mainoo could be called up to the England national team for the friendly matches in March. It is said that "Three Lions" manager Thomas Tuchel has been impressed with his recent form. However, just as at Manchester United, Mainoo's place in the national team is also under scrutiny, requiring him to compete with many players. He needs to continue proving himself through hard work rather than rushing to secure a pay raise.

The UK's Daily Mirror states that Manchester United has reservations about Mainoo's agent, with lingering issues between the two parties. After the European Championship final, his agent reportedly made a staggering demand of £200,000 per week in wages, which was viewed as unreasonable management of the player.

Mainoo's family has also not left a favorable impression on the club, particularly his half-brother Jordan, who wore a "Free Kobbie" T-shirt at Old Trafford to pressure the club and coaching staff. Understandably, Manchester United is quite averse to players' families interfering in team affairs, as seen in the past with the families of Luke Shaw, Alejandro Garnacho, and others.

Mainoo's current contract with Manchester United has a base weekly wage of £25,000, but it includes more lucrative incentive clauses that could raise his maximum earnings to £80,000 per week. The club believes this adequately reflects his standing, and under current circumstances, his weekly salary should not exceed £120,000. Recently renewed winger Amad Diallo received similar terms. Moreover, a significant portion of the wages must be performance-based incentives rather than easily attainable fixed income.

After dealing with off-field issues involving academy talents like Adnan Januzaj, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United appears ready to learn from past lessons. The club aims to better plan the development path for young players, avoiding excessive pampering and overly generous treatment.