In spite of the club’s recent upturn in form, it’s not all going swimmingly at Manchester United

Manchester United look revitalised since Michael Carrick stepped into the managerial hot seat.

Apart from a couple of slight setbacks and the odd anxious period, the Red Devils have resembled a transformed outfit under the stewardship of their ex-midfield maestro. A few weeks ago, they looked to be heading for a third consecutive finish outside the top four, but United have surged back into the race for Champions League qualification after Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim in a caretaker capacity in January.

The scale of his impact has been so notable that he is now viewed as a serious candidate for the full-time position, with a decision expected at the end of the season. Still, his situation at Old Trafford is only one of multiple narratives developing around the club. With that in mind, here are the latest United-related headlines.

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Mainoo contract problem

Kobbie Mainoo is dealing with what has been labelled a “lingering contract problem” that may hinder attempts to prolong his time with the side. The 20-year-old’s step up to first-team football has been far from simple.

After emerging as the latest standout talent from the academy, Mainoo quickly cemented his place as an influential presence in midfield. Yet he later drifted to the periphery during Amorim’s tenure. A summer departure seemed on the cards.

However, Carrick’s appointment triggered a swift turnaround, as the interim manager reinstated Mainoo to the starting XI. Since then, the midfielder has not just reclaimed consistent playing time but has arguably enjoyed the strongest spell of his fledgling career.

In spite of his increasing prominence, Mainoo is still among the squad’s lowest-paid members, earning roughly £20,000 per week. His current agreement runs through 2027, with the club retaining the option to extend it by an additional 12 months, and negotiations over improved terms have been taking place for a while.

According to the Daily Mail, there was confidence in January when Mainoo is said to have reduced his wage expectations in an effort to strike a deal. However, Amorim’s exit – and Mainoo’s revival under Carrick – could have altered the tone of those discussions.

Given his heightened value to the team, it is unclear whether Mainoo might reassess his pay demands, a step that could drag out the talks. Even so, the England international is believed to be happy and settled, and optimism is building that he will pledge his long-term allegiance to his childhood club.

Banned player apologises

United prospect Jack Fletcher has issued an apology after using a homophobic remark during an EFL Trophy fixture against Barnsley earlier in the campaign. The 18-year-old, son of former Red Devils midfielder and United U18s coach Darren Fletcher, received a six-match suspension from the FA for the comment.

Fletcher was sent off in the game, which occurred in October. He directed the offensive phrase amid a tense confrontation with an opposing player, who reportedly made references to his father and twin brother, Tyler.

Reports indicate that Fletcher responded furiously, challenging how the opponent knew details about his family and, in doing so, uttered a homophobic slur. He was later charged by the FA and ordered to pay a £1,500 fine.

After the punishment was confirmed, the teenager stated that he had not meant to cause harm but accepted responsibility and the consequences. “I am truly sorry for the offensive word that I used in the heat of the moment,” he said in a statement.

“Despite the fact that I had no intention to use the term as a homophobic insult, I completely understand that such language is unacceptable and immediately apologised after the game. I want to be clear that this momentary lapse of character absolutely does not reflect my beliefs or values.”