Former Red Devil Advises United to Prioritise Playing Time Over Contract Negotiations
Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has publicly urged the club to immediately suspend contract discussions with promising young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Saha believes the current focus should be firmly on Mainoo's footballing development and securing consistent first-team minutes, rather than negotiating improved terms.
A Season of Uncertainty Under Previous Management
The 20-year-old academy product's future at Old Trafford appeared uncertain during the first half of the season under former manager Ruben Amorim. Amorim had suggested Mainoo was competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for a midfield spot, which led to speculation about a potential January departure for the England international.
However, following Amorim's dismissal and the subsequent managerial change, Mainoo has regained his place in the starting eleven under interim boss Michael Carrick. He has since delivered a series of impressive performances, notably in Premier League victories against rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, showcasing the talent that made him a breakout star.
Saha's Firm Stance: "Just Play, Just Play, Just Play"
Despite Mainoo's contract running until 2027 and reported club eagerness to discuss an extension, Saha is adamant that talks should be postponed. In an interview, the former French striker emphasised that external noise about contracts is detrimental for a young player.
"No, no, no, I think this is like good talk for the media and his agent," Saha stated. "What he has to do is score more goals, assist more, play well and progress. That's it. He's only a young player... He has to improve. That's it."
Saha argued that Mainoo needs to establish himself as a consistent performer before any contract renewal should be considered. "Why are they thinking about contract extension...? It's wrong. Just play, just play, just play, improve every day," he added. "He needs to score maybe 10 goals, and then become the main man in midfield with Casemiro - and then people will give him the contract he wants."
The Path Forward: Consistency and World Cup Ambitions
Saha outlined a clear path for Mainoo's immediate future, which involves focusing purely on his game. He pointed out that after spending months on the bench, the priority must be building momentum.
"Now it's time for consistency," Saha advised. "Get 15 games under his belt, bring him to the World Cup and see how it goes." The former United star believes that a solid run of matches will be far more valuable for Mainoo's long-term career at the club than early contract discussions.
Reflecting on Amorim's Tenure and Carrick's New Approach
When asked if Mainoo's treatment under Amorim was justified, Saha offered a balanced perspective. He suggested the previous manager had a specific tactical plan that did not initially suit Mainoo's style, rather than a judgement on his ability.
"It was a bit of both because, obviously, Amorim had different plans," Saha explained. "That doesn't mean at all that Kobbie Mainoo was not a good player. It's just that he wasn't fitting the style of Amorim."
He contrasted this with the current environment under Michael Carrick, where the team's rhythm and mentality appear to have shifted. "We managed to get Mainoo and other players in that kind of frame where those guys are playing without the need to run around like a chicken without a head," Saha observed, highlighting a more composed and effective system.
The Bigger Picture: Team Cohesion Over Individual Focus
Saha concluded by stressing that United's success depends on collective strength, not reliance on single players. He pointed to the importance of a solid defensive core and a fully functional team unit.
"The team needs to be working together, having an advantage physically, mentally and technically," he asserted. This holistic view underpins his argument that Mainoo's individual contract situation is a distraction from the broader project of rebuilding a cohesive and competitive Manchester United side under Carrick's stewardship.
