Kobbie Mainoo is pushing for a loan move away from Manchester United in January, with ‘new contact’ being made with one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Kobbie Mainoo has endured a difficult start to the campaign with Manchester United, as he is seemingly not a key part of Ruben Amorim’s plans.
The Reds have stuck with their 3-4-2-1 system so far this season, which has left Mainoo to fight for a spot with United captain Bruno Fernandes.
This has left the 20-year-old midfielder with only a measly 138 minutes across seven Premier League appearances this season, as he is yet to start a single league fixture.
With the 2026 World Cup rapidly approaching, Mainoo’s camp beieve he needs immediate and consistent playing time if he is to work his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Napoli pursuing Mainoo
As reported by Get Football News Italy, ‘new contact’ has been made between Napoli and Mainoo’s representatives, with both sides confirming a mutual interest in a loan deal.
The report states that the English midfielder is ‘pushing for a loan transfer in order to have more continuity’ than he is currently receiving under Amorim.
Napoli’s interest has grown due to the long-term injury of their new star, Kevin De Bruyne, as well as the upcoming absence of Frank Anguissa, who will be heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.
It is thought that Mainoo doesn’t want to leave his boyhood club permanently, hence his ambition to pursue a loan move, which would see him return to Old Trafford ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Mainoo’s World Cup worries
Even though Mainoo evidently has the ability required to work his way into Tuchel’s plans for the England team this summer, it may be too little too late for the 20-year-old.
The United midfielder, who was a huge part of England’s success in the 2024 Euro’s, may struggle to regain his place due to the growing crop of talent in his position.
Tuchel has already taken a shine to Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, as well as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who are both favoured over Mainoo at the moment.
Given the inclusion of AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, it is clear that the German coach values playing time over anything else, so a move away from Old Trafford may be Mainoo’s only chance of playing in the 2026 World Cup.
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