New contract signed: Kobbie Mainoo names the two Man United stars who transformed his rise

Manchester United officially confirmed on Thursday that Kobbie Mainoo has extended his contract with the club.

The 21-year-old has been rewarded with a significant salary rise as part of a new five-year deal.

Mainoo has now revealed that Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have played a key role in shaping his development.

He told ManUtd.com: “Before every game, when we go around and shake everyone’s hand while we’re on the pitch, Casemiro will say, ‘let’s have fun. Let’s enjoy football.’ You know, that’s what it is, isn’t it?

“It’s been huge for me because I’ve learned so much off [Casemiro]. Him and Bruno, to be fair.”

Dream mentors for any youngster

Mainoo had been one of the lowest earners at United, a figure that hardly reflected his growing importance to the first team.

It was a difficult start to the 2025–26 season for the young midfielder, as former manager Ruben Amorim surprisingly overlooked him.

Mainoo did not start a single Premier League match under Amorim during the first half of the campaign.

Everything changed when interim head coach Michael Carrick placed his trust in the youngster.

The 21-year-old has started 12 of the 13 games under Carrick, missing only the Leeds United clash due to injury.

His last two performances (against Chelsea and Brentford) have been nothing short of sensational.

Mainoo could hardly have asked for better mentors than Casemiro and Fernandes.

Fernandes is arguably the finest attacking midfielder in Europe right now, with his relentless drive and passion setting the standard for the next generation.

Casemiro is the embodiment of a serial winner, boasting an incredible trophy haul that includes five UEFA Champions League titles.

Despite his decorated career, his response to being dropped was to work even harder in training and fight his way back into the starting XI.

Fernandes and Casemiro are mentality monsters and key pillars of the squad.

With Casemiro expected to depart at the end of the season, the responsibility will soon fall on Mainoo to step up alongside Fernandes and help guide United back to the summit.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .