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Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Napoli, Real Madrid
Luke Davies
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Transfer News, Football, Premier League, Napoli, Real Madrid
Kobbie Mainoo could reportedly have three clubs to choose from if he were to leave Manchester United in the winter transfer window.
Mainoo, 20, was heavily linked with a move in the summer with Serie A champions Napoli among several clubs that showed interest in the England international – although no such move materialised.
Despite not playing Mainoo from the start in any of United’s six Premier League games so far this term, head coach Ruben Amorim insisted that he wanted the youngster to stay at the club after the midfielder asked to leave Old Trafford on loan – the request was swiftly rejected by United.
Mainoo was a regular in the Red Devils’ side during Erik ten Hag’s reign as head coach, earning the Man of the Match award having scored in the 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City before starring in England’s Euro 2024 campaign later that summer.
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Since then, the 20-year-old has suffered from injuries and a loss of form, with his progress stagnating under Amorim’s tutelage.
So far this term, the Portuguese has opted for a midfield pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes for the most part, with Manuel Ugarte filling in for the suspended Brazilian in the 3-1 defeat away to Brentford before Mainoo was introduced on 66 minutes.
In September, Amorim insisted that Mainoo “is a top player” that he believes in.
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However, according to the Mail, the 20-year-old could still seek a move during the winter transfer window with three top clubs reportedly keen on signing him.
Mainoo, who is contracted to United until 2027, is reported to be open to moving to Napoli, where he would link up with United loanee Rasmus Hojlund and former teammate Scott McTominay.
Meanwhile, La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly keen on Mainoo alongside city rivals Atletico.
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Mainoo’s situation may yet be influenced by Amorim’s future with the 40-year-old under pressure after a poor start to the 2025/26 campaign – although a report from BBC Sport’s Simon Stone suggests that United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is “backing Amorim” and “feels only fair to judge him on a full season”.
Speaking ahead of United’s 3-0 Manchester derby defeat against City in September, the former Sporting CP boss finally addressed Mainoo’s situation after the summer transfer saga.
"I believe in him a lot." Amorim said. "He is a top player. But some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [a complete player]. I think he can do so much better.
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"For some guys, [talent] is enough, but for him it is not. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie and that's it."