BREAKING NEWS: Kobbie Mainoo finally chooses next Club after 12 European clubs show interest in Man United player – Negotiation underway for Kobbie Mainoo to depart by January
Kobbie Mainoo remains intent on joining Napoli during the January transfer window despite interest from 12 clubs in the Manchester United star.
The England international saw attempts to leave Old Trafford at the end of the summer transfer window blocked after starting the season on the bench under Ruben Amorim.
His situation has not changed, still to start a league game, limited to just 183 minutes of action from the bench.
Mainoo received a huge ovation as he came on for the final 12 minutes against Wolves on Monday night but Amorim has insisted he will not be pressured into any decisions over the 20-year-old who was a key figure in the side under his predecessor Erik ten Hag.
Napoli have been interested in signing Mainoo since late August with the Serie A giants providing a new lease of life to those deemed surplus to requirements in Manchester.
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Scott McTominay has been transformed since arriving in Naples with Rasmus Hojlund hitting some form again after a recent dip, scoring twice at the weekend against Juventus.
At least 12 clubs are interested in signing Mainoo with Chelsea and Bayern Munich previously credited with interest in the England star.
Amorim must throw Mainoo a bone
The roar from the travelling United supporters when Kobbie Mainoo came on against Wolves said it all.
Mainoo was the hero at Molineux a year and 10 months ago, scoring a sensational last-minute winner during a breakout campaign that ended in him starting the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
The situation couldn’t be more different now.
Only two members of the regular first-team squad have managed less game time than the England midfielder this term. One of them is academy graduate Tyler Fredricson, eighth choice at centre-half when everyone is fit and available. The other is Lisandro Martinez, taking his first baby steps back after recovering from an ACL injury.
United’s light schedule this season has meant opportunities for rotation have been few and far between. But early indications are Mainoo is unlikely to be handed a starting role as the games begin to come thick and fast heading towards Christmas.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor
But the Daily Mail report the player’s preference is still Napoli.
United are still to give any move the green light with a replacement needed if they are to allow the midfielder to leave.
Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna discussed their reported interest in Mainoo this week, but stopped short of confirming any plans to bring him in.
‘He’s a player who’s been linked to Napoli since August, partly because of his age, prospects, and opportunities,’ he told Sky Sports Italia.
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United – Carabao Cup Quarter Final
Amorim will not be pressured into starting the United star (Picture: Getty)
‘But the team is doing well and has consolidated. We have some significant absences, but sooner or later our players will return, strong and determined. We need to make the right assessments, and we’ll see how things go along.’
Amorim has explained he views Mainoo as direct competition for Bruno Fernandes in his deeper midfield role with the United captain virtually undroppable.
Joshua Zirkzee also struggled for game but injuries to Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko saw him star three games in a row against Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
Ayden Heaven has also come into the fold, starting United’s last two games.
