Carrick confident on Mainoo deal Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed confidence that Kobbie Mainoo will sign a new contract to remain with the club. Negotiations are underway for an extension that would keep the midfielder at Old Trafford until 2031, alongside a notable increase in his current salary. The existing contract was agreed in 2023 when Mainoo was transitioning into the senior squad. "It's getting closer, so we're positive with that," Carrick stated. He added, "Time will tell how it goes but we are calm with it and at the moment, we are in a good place," before his team's upcoming match against Leeds United on Monday. Mainoo's recent form and past struggles A majority of Manchester United supporters would welcome Mainoo’s extended stay, especially after his unexpected omission from the starting lineup in the 4 January match against Leeds. At that time, the 20-year-old had not played a Premier League game all season under then-manager Ruben Amorim. The 1-1 draw at Elland Road marked the end of Amorim’s tenure. Mainoo missed the game due to a calf injury and was reportedly considered for a winter transfer loan, with a potential move to Napoli blocked last summer. Amorim’s post-match remarks criticizing the club’s leadership were so severe that he was dismissed within 24 hours. Carrick's unexpected rise to management Carrick attended the Leeds game with Wayne Rooney and their families during a holiday in Barbados, unaware of the changes coming in his career. "There wasn't really any sign of it at that stage," he recalled. "I was supporting from afar and enjoying time with my family. That's just the way the game goes. It can change quickly. You can be in it or you can be out, or results can go one way and can go the other way and if players are fit and in form, then the game flips. That's why we can never take anything for granted and you live in the present and what's coming up next week - and keep trying to improve." United's title push and Champions League hopes Since taking charge, Carrick has led Manchester United to seven wins and one defeat in his first ten games, propelling the team to third place in the league. With just four wins and one draw needed from the remaining seven fixtures, Champions League qualification appears within reach. However, many believe finishing outside the top four would be unacceptable considering their current standing. Carrick dismissed the idea of a lower target, stating, "Strong word that," when questioned about failure. He firmly added, "I didn't say that. No, I wouldn't accept it, no," rejecting the notion that sixth place would suffice. Long-term ambitions and club growth Carrick emphasized the club’s long-term vision, aligning with his own experiences as a player at Old Trafford. He acknowledged that climbing from fifteenth place last season to title contenders would require gradual progress. "As a club, we want to be challenging right at the top," he said. "There's no getting away from that. But there are steps. We have to be realistic as well: talking about where we came in and where we are now and just keep building on that." Champions League qualification would bring significant financial and prestige benefits, influencing player retention and recruitment. Impact of European football on the club Carrick stressed the importance of Champions League participation, highlighting its far-reaching positive effects. "It's pretty obvious to everyone if you finish in certain places in the league, financially, it makes a lot of difference," he explained. "The Champions League just brings so many positive things. It's where we want to be, there's no getting away from that. That has ramifications for so many different things: players staying, players coming in. We need to try and get used to being in there more often."