Kobbie Mainoo sets 16-game Manchester United target as Napoli loan move could be 'revived' | OneFootball

The United youngster saw a possible loan exit in the summer transfer window turned away

Kobbie Mainoo is targeting increased game time at Manchester United before reviewing his short-term future at the club.

His only 90 minute runout to this point has come in the shock Carabao Cup defeat on penalties against League Two Grimsby Town late last month.

According to The Athletic, the 20-year-old stressed that he was interested in a loan departure from Old Trafford, and that he would not want to leave United for good. However, the transfer window closed with Mainoo still at the club.

As per ESPN, the reason for the midfielder staying put is because United said no to a loan move to Serie A champions Napoli - who did manage to sign Mainoo’s team-mate Rasmus Hojlund for the remainder of the season.

That said, the aforementioned report does state that there's a possibility a temporary switch to Naples could be revived in January if Mainoo's situation hasn't changed.

For that to happen, United would need to bring a replacement, which is always tough to do in the January window having been linked with midfielders such as Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton of Brighton and Crystal Palace respectively.

Starting with Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, Man Utd have 16 fixtures before the transfer window reopens at the beginning of January.

The lack of games in United’s calendar this season is as a result of not qualifying for any European competition in addition to crashing out of the Carabao Cup at the second round stage.

Competition: Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo

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Whether this helps or hinders Mainoo’s quest for increased game time remains to be seen, but head coach Ruben Amorim has said he is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth.

"He is fighting for the position now with Bruno," Amorim said after the 1-1 draw with Fulham where Mainoo was an unused substitute. "I changed two midfielders. I like Mason Mount there because we want to score a goal.

"And then when I changed it, I felt that the team needed to return to one holding midfielder.

"So he just needs to fight for the position with Bruno in training. Like it should be at Manchester United."