It has been revealed what Real Madrid think of a potential Kobbie Mainoo move after the Manchester United midfielder revealed his preference if he left Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo expressed his desire to leave Manchester United on loan at the end of the summer transfer window, after understanding that he would have to compete with Bruno Fernandes, leaving him with very little game time.
The 20-year-old was a starter under Erik ten Hag, but has found life difficult under Rúben Amorim, especially after Jason Wilcox signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, forcing Fernandes into the double pivot.
Without regular minutes, Mainoo often finds himself appearing from the bench in the last 20 minutes of games, when United are already out of the match. He struggles to affect the game in ways he once could due to his lack of sharpness; he just needs to play more.
Many clubs were exploring a move for Mainoo in the last hours of the transfer window, but it became clear that Amorim wouldn’t let the academy graduate leave Old Trafford without a replacement.
Mainoo’s preference revealed with January move possible
With Amorim still in charge – for now at least – Mainoo may look to leave United in the January transfer window, as it is unlikely that the former Sporting CP manager will give him a regular role with everyone fully fit.
MailSport has revealed that Mainoo’s preference in the summer transfer window was to sign for Napoli and reunite with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund. He would also play alongside former Manchester City man Kevin de Bruyne.
If Mainoo does ask to leave in the winter transfer window, Napoli are likely to come calling again, and the 20-year-old may still favour a move to Naples. However, the report states that Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid shouldn’t be ruled out of any transfer race.
A January move would give Madrid clubs more time to plan a move than they had in the summer, potentially opening the door to a Spanish move for the United youngster.
Previous reports indicate that Mainoo has been learning Spanish for some time. Unlike most Carrington graduates, he has quickly become good friends with foreign players, and he may be keen on a move abroad.
United can’t afford to lose Mainoo
While Mainoo hasn’t been a regular this season, he has still showcased his natural talent, with his brilliant dribble against Manchester City in the second half.
The England international is one of the most extraordinary Academy talents to be produced by the club since the Class of ’92. Mainoo’s destiny is to become a key player for the United, but that won’t happen if something doesn’t change quickly.
Amorim looks set to be sacked by United. At this point, it seems only a matter of when and not if. His treatment of Mainoo has been shocking, considering how important he was under the previous manager.
When United have played poorly in recent years, fans have taken solace in the impressive performances from academy players, including Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. Amorim isn’t even allowing the fans this.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.