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Juventus join interesting race for Manchester United star as ‘Pogba 2.0’ claim made

A Manchester United star has caught the eye of European giants, Juventus as a move away from Old Trafford looks more likely for the player being compared to Paul Pogba

Manchester United have had an up and down season so far under Ruben Amorim as his side are fresh off arguably their most disappointing performance of the season, losing 1-0 at home to an Everton side with ten players.

The Toffees found themselves reduced to ten after Idrissa Gana Gueye had a feud with teammate and former red, Michael Keane. Gueye struck his teammate in the side of the head after a mix up at the back, almost resulting in Bruno Fernandes opening the scoring.

The Senegalese midfielder was dismissed immediately, leaving his side at the disadvantage, but this fuelled David Moyes’ side to fight even harder.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored thinly goal of the game as he found himself with space and time on the edge of the box as he narrowly escaped a lunging challenge by Leny Yoro, before curling his effort beyond Senne Lammens into the far top corner.

Whilst United couldn’t make the most of the numerical advantage, one player received the most game time in a single Premier League match since August where United secured a late win against Burnley, and his exit from United has looked evermore likely.

Juventus take interest in Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo has been linked to a move in the Serie A for some time now, with Antonio Conte’s Napoli being seen as the most likely destination. Mainoo would be able to re-unite with former teammates, Scott Mctominay and Rasmus Hojlund who have both re-found form since arriving in Naples.

However, TuttoJuve have revealed that whilst Napoli see Mainoo as an option, Juventus are also growing in interest towards the 20-year-old star.

They describe the situation as ‘Pogba 2.0’, as Mainoo, like Paul Pogba at his first United stint, cannot establish himself in the starting 11, despite his undeniable talent. The midfielder’s incredible ability on the ball, escaping tight spaces, evading pressure and composure in possession is highly rated by fans.

A departure from Old Trafford could be the solution to Mainoo’s career as he will aim to re-claim his spot in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup as there is lots of competition for those midfield slots, with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott as competition.

Man Utd are considering the possibility of Mainoo leaving

The Italian outlet claim that United are open to the possibility of Mainoo leaving in January on the basis that a suitable offer can come in. The midfielder from Stockport would like consistent minutes on the pitch as his role under Amorim holds doubts.

The Portuguese manager has been heavily reliant on the pairing of Fernandes and Casemiro during this season as the other midfield options don’t seem to fit Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Mainoo is not as defensively dominant as Casemiro has proven to be this season. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has underwhelmed since his £42m from Paris Saint Germain in the summer of 2024. Fans have grown frustrated of the Uruguayan’s recklessness out of possession, often leading to gaps forming.

Read More: Manchester United ‘keeping tabs’ on Everton star who embarrassed Ruben Amorim’s side at Old Trafford

Amorim may prefer a permanent sale for Mainoo as this would allow the United manager to reinvest the money on a profile more suited to the system. United have been linked to the likes of Joao Gomes, Manu Kone and Elliot Anderson to be the glue holding the squad together.

Fans remain worried about the usage of academy products as Mainoo could join the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Mctominay and Alvaro Carreras as academy products to permanently leave United.


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