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Topics: Scott Mctominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Napoli, Football, Premier League, Transfer News
Luke Davies
Topics: Scott Mctominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Napoli, Football, Premier League, Transfer News
Scott McTominay previously revealed what he thinks about Kobbie Mainoo amid links with a potential reunion at Napoli.
McTominay, 28, and Mainoo, 20, played alongside each other on 28 occasions during their time together at Manchester United before the Scotland international transferred to Napoli in the summer of 2024.
And it’s fair to say, since then, their careers have taken different paths.
McTominay is a fan favourite in Naples and was named Serie A Player of the Season following Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign, during which he contributed with 12 goals and four assists in the league. He has also made the nominee list for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
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As for Mainoo, he has struggled with injuries since last summer and managed just 24 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.
So far this season, the England international has been an unused substitute in the league matches against Arsenal and Fulham – although he started in the penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
And Mainoo has since been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with BBC Sport reporting that Napoli are among the interested parties.
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Mainoo has even supposedly asked to leave on loan, but United are thought to be against the idea.
Of course, a lot can and will change before the September 1st transfer deadline.
So, if United were to sanction a move to Napoli, McTominay would not doubt be one of Mainoo’s closest friends in Campania.
But what has the Scot previously said about his former teammate?
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Speaking after Mainoo was called up to the England squad for the first time in March 2024, McTominay told Sky Sports: “He’s been so good for 24 to 25 [games] now [for Man United], he’s barely missed a minute.
“It just shows when you’ve got full confidence in younger players, they’ve got the confidence to go and do exceptional things.”
McTominay then revealed the words of advice he gave Mainoo.
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“I’ve [spoken] to Kobbie a good couple of times and said just keep your head down and concentrate on yourself and keep pushing and keep doing what you’re doing,” McTominay explained.
“There’s no reason to stop, the sky is the limit in terms of the potential, Alejandro Garnacho as well.
“Just as long as they’ve got the right head on their shoulders, don’t get too carried away, they can do amazing things. I’m really pleased for him.”
Amorim was asked about Mainoo’s situation during a press conference on Friday.
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"Until it's official, I cannot say much,” the Portuguese explained. “I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change. The rest I don't know how it's going to finish. I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed.But everyone will have the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week."