£44m United star wants to join Hojlund at Napoli amid "unfair" treatment by Amorim

Manchester United graduate Kobbie Mainoo has his sights on joining Napoli when the transfer window reopens in January, according to The Daily Mail.

The England international has fallen down the pecking order for a starting role under manager Ruben Amorim. He is considered a backup option behind Bruno Fernandes for the number eight position.

Mainoo attempted to secure a loan exit before the transfer deadline on September 1, but United’s hierarchy were quite clear that he was not going anywhere.

The Daily Mail now claim that Napoli were the preferred destination for the 20-year-old last summer.

Mainoo plans to revive his exit plans at the turn of the year, and it is claimed that a move to Antonio Conte’s side could be back on the player’s radar.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are other possible options for Mainoo.

Mainoo faces a defining period in his United career.

The Englishman was one of the most sought-after young players during his breakthrough season. He scored the winning goal in the 2024 FA Cup final.

However, things have since gone pear-shaped for him. The £44 million-rated star has been unable to become a regular starter under Amorim, who has been reluctant to play him as a number six.

Amorim has quite clearly mentioned that Mainoo can’t handle extra defensive duties, and he is most comfortable operating as a central or attacking midfielder.

With the summer arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, Mainoo’s playing time has drastically reduced. The duo have started in the attacking midfield department, while Fernandes has dropped into a central role.

In our view, Mainoo faces a defining period in his United career. The next few months could be a make-or-break for him. He could push for a winter exit if he can’t turn things around.

It has recently been reported that the United staff are impressed by the midfielder’s attitude in training, and many believe the lack of chances under Amorim has been ‘unfair’ to him.

With the World Cup next summer, Mainoo will be desperate for playing time in early 2026. He seems keen on a reunion with former United teammates Scott McTominay & Rasmus Hojlund at Napoli.

United are yearning for a top-class defensive midfielder who can provide an upgrade on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. We won’t be surprised if they open the door for Mainoo’s permanent exit to Napoli to recoup funds for a new number six, such as Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .