reports that the result confirmed the Tractor Boys’ immediate promotion back to the English top flight at the first attempt. They will be joined by Coventry City as the two clubs to secure automatic promotion.

Attention now shifts to the play-offs, where four teams will battle for the final Premier League spot: Millwall, Hull City, Southampton, and Middlesbrough.

In the semi-final first legs, Hull City will host Millwall on Friday, May 8, at 8 pm, while Middlesbrough take on Southampton on Saturday, May 9, at 12:30 pm.

For the second legs, Millwall will welcome Hull City on Monday, May 11, at 8 pm, while Southampton will face Middlesbrough on Tuesday, May 12, at 8 pm.

The winner of the play-offs will be decided in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 23.

The 21-year-old academy graduate has already made 98 senior appearances since breaking into the first team and famously scored the decisive goal in the 2024 FA Cup final. He also represented England at the UEFA Euro 2024 final.

Speaking after signing the deal, Mainoo said: “Manchester United has always been my home, this special club means everything to my family. I have grown up seeing the impact that our club has on our city, and I relish the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.”

His previous contract, signed before his breakthrough in 2023, was set to run until 2027. However, his future came under scrutiny earlier this season after limited playing time under former manager Ruben Amorim, leading to interest in a January loan move to Napoli. The club, however, blocked the move and insisted he remained at Old Trafford.

Since then, Mainoo has regained his place under interim manager Michael Carrick, starting nearly all of United’s last 12 league matches, missing only the defeat to Leeds United due to injury.

He added: “I have the privilege of living my dream every single day, with the same relentless desire to succeed here as when I joined my first training session at the age of six.

“We can all feel the momentum building inside the club. I am determined to step up and play my role in helping Manchester United to regularly fight for major trophies in the years ahead.”

Mainoo’s resurgence has also earned him a return to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, with call-ups for recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox praised the midfielder’s progress, describing him as a model professional.

“His technical ability, dedicated professionalism and humble personality make him the perfect role model for our young players and a true credit to our outstanding academy system,” Wilcox said.

“We are delighted that Kobbie has extended his stay here and have full confidence that he will develop into one of the best players in the world.”

The unanimous decision was reached during meetings held in Vancouver, where all 54 CAF Member Associations adopted a united stance in favour of the current FIFA boss. The endorsement gives Infantino a significant early advantage, as Africa represents FIFA’s largest voting bloc ahead of the official election process.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Africa’s football governing bodies said: “The CAF Member Associations unanimously agreed to support Gianni Infantino to be re-elected as President of FIFA for the period 2027-2031.”

The move reflects a strong show of unity across African football and indicates that Infantino’s campaign for another term is already building considerable international momentum.

Since assuming office in 2016, the Swiss-Italian football administrator has introduced major reforms in global football, including expanding international tournaments and boosting financial assistance for FIFA member associations.

CAF’s early endorsement is regarded as a major strategic advantage, considering Africa’s substantial voting influence within FIFA Congress. Securing the continent’s backing at this stage provides Infantino with a solid political base as other football confederations begin to determine their own positions.

The next FIFA presidential election is expected to take place in Morocco. If re-elected, Infantino could remain in office until 2031 after FIFA determined that his first term does not count toward the organisation’s 12-year term limit.