Why Napoli is the best way for Kobbie Mainoo to resurrect his career | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo didn’t play a single minute for Manchester United against Napoli on Thursday, even as Ruben Amorim’s side were held at home by West Ham. This came days after the Englishman played less than two minutes against Crystal Palace and looked much-maligned as he came on in stoppage time.

The sight is now far too common and disappointingly enough, there has been a severe lack of clarity from the Manchester United manager about why the talented midfielder isn’t getting into his side. The Portuguese seems to be more focused on talking in riddles about what the England international doesn’t offer instead of what his system demands from him. Even as he continues to do multiple interviews in a week, the intricacies of the topic are simply skipped.

In the meantime, Napoli are keeping a close eye on Mainoo. That has been the case since the summer, when a late approach was made but nothing really materialised. A move appears much more doable in January and there are tactical reasons behind it.

Even if Amorim won’t talk about it, the reason why Mainoo doesn’t feature is quite evident. The United manager is hell-bent on imposing ultra-structured ideas that are transfixed on certain principles. His usage of midfielders is fairly specific and has limited room for an unpredictable player like Mainoo to just break through the opposition press, operate between the lines or just receive in deep areas. Tasks are very well-defined and often, United midfielders are just skipped in build-up. 

Why Conte suits Mainoo

That is where Conte’s setup comes into play – especially his setup at Napoli. So far at the Partenopei, the Italian has shown a uniqueness which hasn’t been seen in his previous managerial stints. He has been adapting his system to the strengths of his most talented players in midfield and in attack.

This did cause problems with Scott McTominay and Kevin de Bruyne as both got in each others ways. But it has brought the best out of Romelu Lukaku, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka and the Scotsman hero. Increasingly, things are working out well for Rasmus Hojlund too. This is because even though Conte has specific roles for those players, those roles bring the most out of them and the system then alters to fit that strength.

At this point of his career, Mainoo desperately needs that. With the World Cup coming up, he would want to play under Thomas Tuchel and operate to what he does best instead of being asked to do something that exposes his weaknesses. 

Napoli injuries will help Mainoo

There is the obvious question to ask about the move about it concerns where Mainoo would settle in. 

As of now, Billy Gilmour, Zambo Anguissa and De Bruyne are out for at least three months. That, in itself answers some questions and suggests where Mainoo would fit in. Due to this shortage, Conte used McTominay deeper against Roma, starting both Noa Lang and David Neres. He is essentially adapting to the unfortunate situation and is now desperate for a midfield signing – even if it is a loan.

Mainoo, easily enough, will settle into the midfield two alongside Lobotka. The ex-Ajax man doesn’t have the cleanest fitness record either and if he picks up another issue, the English would slot into his role too due to his multi-functional skillset. Even if playing as the deepest midfielder isn’t Mainoo’s strength, Serie A isn’t a league where every team presses high up the pitch.

That is where the Manchester United player can solve problems and dictate play from deep, helping Napoli break down packed defences. He would do that without the challenge of having to lose the ball deep, making it easier for him.

Whether the move goes through or not remains to be seen but there is something to suggest that Napoli are interested. A transfer would benefit both parties, especially if United open up to a loan.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN