Kobbie Mainoo: How INEOS’ January call saved United millions

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The Peoples Person

·4. Februar 2026

Kobbie Mainoo: How INEOS’ January call saved United millions

Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo was puzzling to say the least.

There was an obvious gap at the base of the midfield, given Casemiro‘s tiring legs and Manuel Ugarte’s struggles.

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After being tried all over the pitch, it was decided that the Englishman would have to fight with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the starting XI.

And the skipper hardly misses games, and hence, the Carrington graduate ended up starting zero Premier League games all season.

Amorim’s poor treatment of Kobbie Mainoo

The midfielder, desperate to make the cut for England’s World Cup squad, wanted to leave on loan, both in the summer and January.

However, following an argument with director of football Jason Wilcox, Amorim was shown the door, and the England international’s fortunes changed almost overnight.

Since Michael Carrick‘s arrival, the 20-year-old has started three back-to-back games in the league and has silenced his critics with mature displays alongside Casemiro.

And as revealed by Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, the Stockport-born star was very close to joining Napoli in January.

He was close to leaving in January

“Life looks completely different for Kobbie Mainoo because Michael Carrick really trusts him.

“Mainoo never wanted to leave United. He loves the club. He wanted to leave on loan to play regular football as he wanted consistency in terms of game time.

“Yes, he would have left in January if Ruben Amorim had stayed. Napoli were in very advanced talks with the player.”