Kobbie Mainoo Could Reunite With Ex-Man Utd Teammates in January Transfer

Kobbie Mainoo could be set for a move away from Manchester United in January, with the England international struggling to break into Ruben Amorim's team.

Mainoo has been a rotational player so far this season, with his only start coming in the Carabao Cup humiliation against Grimsby Town.

The midfielder has featured from the bench in seven of United's nine Premier League matches, but has played just 138 minutes of league football in total.

The 20-year-old requested a loan move during the summer transfer window but his request was rejected, as Amorim insisted he 'needs to fight for his place'.

However, with the Englishman competing with the ever-present club captain Bruno Fernandes, and United not involved in cups until January, opportunities will remain limited.

The lack of game time has fuelled speculation that Mainoo could look to move again in January, in an attempt to make Thomas Tuchel's England squad for next summer's World Cup.

Kobbie Mainoo will be keen to earn an England recall (Image: Getty)

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian champions Napoli have emerged as a potential destination for the midfielder.

Both Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have made the move from Manchester United to Napoli in recent years to great success.

McTominay was named Napoli's MVP as they won the title last season, while Hojlund has made a bright start this season with four goals in seven games.

The Italian outlet claimed it is a 'guarantee' that Napoli will attempt to sign Mainoo in January.

Where else could Kobbie Mainoo move?

Mainoo is not the only Manchester United player growing frustrated with the lack of first-team football in the build-up to the World Cup.

Joshua Zirkzee, who joined the club in 2024, has only played just 90 minutes across five matches in all competitions this season and has yet to start a game.

The Dutch striker impressed in the second half of last season, but knows he needs regular minutes if he is to make Ronald Koeman's World Cup squad.

One Premier League club reportedly interested in both Mainoo and Zirkzee is West Ham United.

Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay at Napoli (Image: Getty)

The Hammers have made a miserable start to the season, winning just one win of their first nine to sit second from bottom of the table.

Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter in September, has made it clear his squad requires reinforcements.

Transfer guru David Ornstein told NBC: “I am told by sources at the club that they are looking to bring in a few new players.

“A forward would surely be on the agenda, but not Ivan Toney.

"Other players are linked with them: Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee at Manchester United, but I think it’s a pretty remote chance.

"We don’t even know if they will be leaving Old Trafford.”