Man Utd plotting double transfer with Kobbie Mainoo at the heart after new bumper deal

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Manchester United are set to make two midfield signings who can complement Kobbie Mainoo , according to reports. This time last year, the future of the highly-rated academy graduate was far from certain.

Ruben Amorim claimed the teenager was competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth and could not foresee a situation where both would feature in the same line-up. The England international asked for the chance to leave on loan , a request that was turned down and it wasn't long before the likes of Chelsea were being linked with his services.

Amorim's dismissal transformed the situation entirely for Mainoo, who has since become one of the first names on the team-sheet under Michael Carrick . With the gifted midfield star poised to put pen to paper on a lucrative new deal at Old Trafford, United are now reportedly targeting a midfielder who can help Mainoo elevate his game to the next level.

According to The Athletic , United are seeking to bring in two new midfielders, with the aim of identifying players whose attributes complement one another while also blending with Mainoo's strengths. It underlines just how central Mainoo is to United's long-term plans.

His new contract is believed to be worth approximately £120,000 per week, representing a fourfold increase on his previous wages. Furthermore, the deal is set to tie him to Old Trafford until 2031, which can only be viewed as positive news.

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Regarding potential midfield recruits, United are likely to target someone in the mould of Casemiro, who is departing at the end of the season. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Elliot Anderson have been mentioned, though both players are anticipated to command substantial fees.

The same applies to Newcastle United pair Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, who have also been linked with the Reds. Meanwhile, Carlos Baleba remains on United's radar.

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Regardless of who arrives this summer, Mainoo will still be relied upon as one of the team's key figures. Carrick heaped praise on the England star following the Reds' 1-0 away triumph over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The United interim boss said: "I thought that was the best Kobbie has played, certainly since I've been back here. To step up and put so many phases to his game or sides to his game tonight.

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"I thought he looked so composed, so calm, had a really good presence about him, defended well. Not easy when you've got really good players in and around you and it was a good battle between him and Cole Palmer.

"So we had to be right at it tonight, but Kobbie just showed so much quality and composure in a tough environment, really, in the end. Showed us what he can do."

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