Kobbie Mainoo: Napoli’s actions cast doubt over move for Man United midfield sensation | OneFootball

While INEOS remain intent on bolstering Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad this winter, they also face the delicate task of retaining some unsettled stars.

With the club missing out on European football, the fixtures have thinned considerably, inevitably leaving certain players short of game time.

And Kobbie Mainoo is one of those affected.

Mainoo’s struggles

There is no denying that the United Academy graduate is a rare talent. Paul Scholes even claimed that Mainoo is already better than he was at the same age.

Yet the youngster has struggled to convince Amorim to entrust him with a key midfield role.

The Portuguese tactician has leaned heavily on the experience of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro to anchor his midfield pivot.

And with no additional fixtures, United exited the Carabao Cup early and have no European commitments, opportunities for Mainoo have been few and far between.

With little sign of that changing, the United number #37 is once again tipped to push for a loan exit this January, just as he did last summer.

He is eager to secure regular minutes elsewhere, with the ultimate aim of reclaiming his place in the England setup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Napoli linked

As for potential destinations, Napoli have emerged as frontrunners.

The reigning Italian champions are actively seeking a central midfielder in January and have reportedly placed Mainoo high on their shortlist.

However, while they are keen to persuade United to sanction the move, early signs suggest it will not be straightforward.

Amorim is said to be reluctant to let Mainoo leave. With AFCON set to deprive him of Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bryan Mbeumo, the United boss is wary of further depleting his squad depth.

He wants Mainoo to stay, and so he may be quietly encouraged by developments in Italy.

Napoli consider alternatives

According to Football Italia, citing Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli’s pursuit of Mainoo is now shrouded in uncertainty.

The report states: “Mainoo remains a primary January target for Napoli, but the Partenopei are also looking to Lorenzo Pellegrini, Morten Frendrup and Arthur Atta.”

If Napoli were truly confident of landing Mainoo, would they be casting such a wide net for alternatives?

The fact that they have identified not one, but three backup options speaks volumes.

United may yet succeed in retaining their young midfielder.

While other suitors, including Fernebahce, remain interested, Napoli arguably posed the most serious threat to United’s hopes of keeping hold of Mainoo.

If Mainoo stays

If the talented Mancunian does stay put, the hope will be that he forces his way back into the United line-up, earns more minutes, and ultimately convinces Thomas Tuchel to restore him to the England fold in time for the World Cup.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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