sport news MAN UNITED CONFIDENTIAL: Kobbie Mainoo in line to follow Bukayo Saka by signing ... trends now

Kobbie Mainoo has been the name on everyone’s lips during the international break, and Confidential understands that Manchester United’s teen star could mark the latest stage of his meteoric rise by signing a sponsorship deal with Nando’s.

Even the ultra professional Mainoo tucks into the signature peri-peri chicken dish as a treat when he fancies a change from his favourite meal of rice and peas, and discussions are said to have taken place with the restaurant chain over an endorsement deal.

Nando’s won’t be the only sponsors wanting to get on board with Mainoo after the 18-year-old midfielder made his senior England debut off the bench against Brazil on Saturday and is pushing for a first start against Belgium on Tuesday night.

Mainoo’s breakthrough season at United will inevitably lead to a lucrative new contract in the summer, although formal discussions have yet to take place between the club and his representatives.

The clauses built into Mainoo’s current deal mean that his progress this season has been rewarded, and United are relaxed about securing the future of a homegrown player who is under contract until 2027.

Tyrell targets next season

Tyrell Malacia's difficult recovery from a double knee surgery means the United defender is unlikely to make his comeback before the end of the season.

However, Confidential understands that reports in Germany over the weekend claiming Malacia’s problems to be as much mental as physical are somewhat wide of the mark.

While Malacia has had to overcome the psychological challenges typically involved in any long-term rehab, the injury itself and several setbacks in his recovery are the reason he has not played at all this season.

The 24-year-old left-back, who became Erik ten Hag’s first signing after joining United from Feyenoord for £14.7million in the summer of 2022, has had problems with a damaged cartilage meniscus in his knee.

Malacia has spent some time at home in the Netherlands after surgery, but he has been working on his recovery at Carrington and is focussed on getting fit for the start of next season.

Although Ten Hag expressed his frustration earlier this month that Malacia had not returned to action in January as expected, it’s understood United are comfortable with the care he has received from the club’s medical department and accept that it has been a complicated injury and rehab.

Ten Hag’s problems have been compounded by another long-term injury to Luke Shaw, leaving him without a recognised left-back after Sergio Reguilon’s loan was cut short in January.

Red Army take aim at MUST

The Red Army, the group behind the atmosphere section of Old Trafford, have again clashed with the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust over the future of the club's historic ground.

MUST recently launched a survey to gauge the priorities of supporters by asking them what they feel are important features or considerations in any new or redeveloped stadium.

But TRA took exception to the consultation, warning the fact it went out to 'all and sundry' meant 'your view as a red who's got a genuine, emotional and spiritual attachment to Old Trafford, could be judged as having equal weight as someone living thousands of miles away whose only attachment to our club is they watch United in their bedroom once a week'.

Though TRA claimed it was not an attack on MUST, the group felt compelled to respond. ‘It is worth reiterating that the Old Trafford taskforce will have a remit much wider than those of special interest to match going fans,' MUST said in an email to members.

Antony’s island bootcamp

Left out of the Brazil squad for games against England and Spain, Antony refused to rest on his laurels this international break as he looks to build on his game-changing impact against Liverpool.

The £85.5m winger scored a key goal en route to helping United reach the FA Cup semi-finals with a 4-3 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford. But rather than sulk at being snubbed by the national team, the 24-year-old headed to Madeira to get his sweat on at the Fisio Clinic.

The clinic vows to help take athletes to ‘new heights of performance’. Given his sub-par season to date, Antony will hope his gruelling strength and conditioning sessions with trainer Joao Pedro Silva will pay off – starting this weekend away to Brentford.

Cup date wrongfoots fans

United fans have been left bemused by the decision to schedule the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry on Sunday, April 21.

Dozens of supporters have been forced to change trains and flights after expecting the game at Wembley to take place on the Saturday.

Sources say the club had presumed it would be Saturday, given Coventry are down to play Hull on the following Tuesday. Manchester City are also in action in the Champions League the preceding Wednesday and it was thought they might be put on the Sunday to give them extra rest.

United had accidentally caused confusion among fans as their email advising season-ticket holders of the sales process for the semi-final, sent just hours after the victory over Liverpool, stated the game would be held on the Saturday, though it stressed the date was not confirmed.

The clash with Coventry will kick-off at 3.30pm instead 4pm after the Metropolitan Police deemed it to be a high-risk fixture, which has raised eyebrows.

Jonny could play on

Reports of Jonny Evans’ impending retirement may prove to be greatly exaggerated.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill dismissed the latest speculation on social media ahead of his team’s game against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, and United sources have also cast doubt over the prospect of Evans calling it a day at

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