Deal Done – Manchester United starlet signs first professional deal for Eric Ten Hag

Manchester United has signed Kobbie Mainoo to his first professional contract.

Mainoo, 17, was instrumental in the club’s recent FA Youth Cup victory and is regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the club’s academy system.

The Stockport-born central midfielder has been a member of the United junior system since he was nine years old and will now be seeking to continue his upward trajectory to the senior squad. Mainoo announced his new contract on social media after a fantastic season in the United academy: “Happy to sign my first professional contract with @manchesterunited amazing way to cap a successful season.”

Mainoo started every game as United won the Youth Cup last week against Nottingham Forest, where he impressed with a combative display at the heart of Travis Binnion’s side.

This season, the 17-year-old earned 31 appearances for United at academy level, including one for the U23 team while he was only 16 and another in the UEFA Youth League.

Mainoo will continue to play for the U18 team next season, but he is expected to see more action at the U23 level as United looks to carefully foster his development.