Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Kobbie Mainoo’s immediate future at Manchester United amid ongoing issues.
Kobbie Mainoo has started just one fixture for Manchester United in the last four months under Rúben Amorim, with the player firmly behind Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield.
The Academy graduate had a stellar first year of professional football, breaking into the United squad in late 2023 and becoming a full England international just a few months later, dethroning Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and starting in the 2024 European Championship final.
However, injuries plagued his first few months under the current United manager, and he failed to secure a starting spot. With no Carabao Cup or European football for the Reds this season, game time has been limited.
During United’s 4-4 draw over Bournemouth, the player’s brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was spotted wearing a “free Kobbie Mainoo” t-shirt, fueling speculation of a growing rift between the young star and his manager.
Mainoo ‘more than tempted’ to leave in January
Mainoo’s message with respect to his short-term future has been clear – he wants to leave to play regular football, but has no intention of departing his childhood club permanently.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the player is becoming “more than tempted” to join Napoli on loan in the January window, but remains firm in his desire to stay at Old Trafford long-term.
“What I’m hearing is that, after Scott McTominay’s success there, and Rasmus Højlund is also doing quite well, Kobbie Mainoo will be more than tempted by joining Napoli in the January transfer window,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“Now, this depends on Man United, on what Man United want to do, I can confirm once again that the player wants to play. So this is not about the permanent transfer, this is about a loan opportunity, but to play, to have regular game time, there is the World Cup.
“Kobbie started zero Premier League games this season, and so Kobbie is definitely open to that solution, open to that situation. Then, it’s going to be up to Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, together with the manager, to decide.”
Keane issues strong message to Mainoo
Amid the constant noise surrounding Mainoo and his lack of minutes, former United midfielder Roy Keane has instead called for the young star to try and rise to the challenge of breaking into the side, rather than heading on loan.
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“Sometimes, at Man United, the challenge is right in front of you,” he told The Overlap.
“A footballer’s life is about trying to prove to people that they’re wrong. Bruno [Fernandes] might leave next summer.
“Wait your moment. I have no problem with players going out on loan, it can be beneficial for everyone, but sometimes, as a player, your biggest challenge is here, at Manchester United, and it’s about breaking into the team. Even if the manager says ‘you won’t get ahead of Bruno’, prove him wrong!”
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