Man United to enter contract talks with rising star that Ruben Amorim barely played

With 18 months left on his current contract, along with an option for an additional year, Mainoo's wages remain below those of other senior squad members.

Interim manager Michael Carrick has reintegrated the young midfielder into the first team, effectively ending any prospect of a temporary move to Napoli that had previously been under consideration.

Mainoo's situation at the club became increasingly uncertain during Amorim's tenure, with the Portuguese boss selecting him to start just once this campaign – in the Carabao Cup fixture at Grimsby Town – before his dismissal.

The media repeatedly questioned Amorim about the talented youngster's absence from the side.

The frustration surrounding Mainoo's lack of opportunities even prompted a public display from his brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who attended a match at Old Trafford in December sporting a shirt bearing the message "Free Kobbie Mainoo".

Plans had been in place to send the midfielder to Serie A on a temporary basis with Napoli, but Carrick's arrival has seen those arrangements abandoned entirely.

Carrick has consistently expressed admiration for the midfielder's abilities.

In a conversation with former United teammate Rio Ferdinand last September, the now-interim boss advocated for the club to construct their project around the homegrown talent.

"For a club to have a player that's come through the academy and knows it, Man United's got to have an element of that. Always has done, always should do," Carrick stated.

"To have a talent like that, as he's shown already, you've got to have players like that.

"They get it, they know it, let's build around them. There's definitely a place for him there for sure."

Regarding Mainoo's optimal role, Carrick described him as more attack-minded rather than a holding player, suggesting he requires greater freedom operating slightly higher up the pitch.

"I think he's got a massive future. I really like him, he just needs that patience and a little bit of a break again," Carrick added.

Despite Carrick's previous assessment of Mainoo as a more advanced midfielder, he positioned the youngster in a deeper role during last weekend's 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

Mainoo featured alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in a midfield three, registering an impressive 77 pressures throughout the match as United dominated Pep Guardiola's side.

The 33-year-old Brazilian's exit opens the door for significant midfield recruitment this summer, with United reportedly targeting up to four new additions. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Brighton's Carlos Baleba sit at the top of their shortlist.

As for Casemiro's next destination, LA Galaxy have expressed interest alongside other clubs from MLS, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.