Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly given his approval for a January move to Napoli after continuing to struggle for game time under manager Ruben Amorim.
From England Star to United Outcast
The 20-year-old midfielder enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season under previous manager Erik ten Hag during the 2023-24 campaign, which culminated in his surprise inclusion in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024. Mainoo didn't just make up the numbers in Germany, featuring in most of England's matches and starting their final defeat against Spain at just 19 years old.
His performances during that period marked him as one of world football's most promising young talents, but his progress has stalled dramatically since Amorim replaced Ten Hag last November. The Portuguese manager has consistently overlooked Mainoo, claiming the youngster competes for the same position as captain Bruno Fernandes.
Napoli Revive Their Interest
According to Italian publication Il Mattino, Napoli have reopened transfer talks with Manchester United and are pushing to finalise a deal for when the winter window opens in January. The Serie A champions had previously expressed interest in Mainoo last summer, but United intervened to block any potential departure.
The move is likely to begin as a straight loan deal, though Napoli could potentially negotiate a loan-to-buy arrangement involving a significant transfer fee. Mainoo is said to be particularly impressed by how former United teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have flourished since moving to Italy under manager Antonio Conte.
The England international believes he would receive more substantial playing opportunities in Naples, where Conte is seeking midfield reinforcements following Kevin De Bruyne's thigh surgery and subsequent lengthy absence.
United Legends Express Their Frustration
Mainoo's situation has disappointed Manchester United supporters and club legends alike. Paul Scholes, one of the finest midfielders in the club's history, described Mainoo's reduced role as 'one of the most disappointing things' of the current season.
'We saw how good he was 18 months, two years ago, and for some reason it's not quite happened for him,' Scholes told Sky Sports. 'The manager doesn't seem to quite fancy him, but we all know the qualities he has.'
Scholes suggested that Amorim might not trust Mainoo physically compared to more experienced options like Casemiro, though he emphasised that the young Englishman possesses the technical ability to operate as a playmaker in a midfield three.
Meanwhile, former United midfielder Nicky Butt went further, describing Amorim's treatment of Mainoo as 'scary' given the player's obvious talent and homegrown status.
Manchester United fans showed their appreciation for Mainoo during Monday's 1-0 defeat to Everton, giving him a warm reception when he appeared as a second-half substitute. However, with just one start this season - in an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town - the writing appears to be on the wall for his immediate future at Old Trafford.
Napoli, currently third in Serie A and competing in the Champions League, will provide Mainoo with the platform he needs to revive a career that has stagnated under Amorim. The Italian club have identified West Ham's Soungoutou Magassa as an alternative should the Mainoo deal collapse.
