Napoli were reportedly the leading contenders to sign Kobbie Mainoo on loan in the latter stages of the summer transfer window, but Manchester United were not prepared to let the midfielder depart.
Mainoo is believed to have approached Man United in the final stages of the summer market to ask for a loan exit, with the 20-year-old concerned by his lack of football in the early stages of the 2025-26 campaign.
The midfielder was an unused substitute against Arsenal and Fulham in the first two gameweeks of the 2025-26 Premier League season, with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte all used ahead of him.
Mainoo played the full 90 minutes against Grimsby Town in the second round of the EFL Cup, but he was back on the bench for the league contest with Burnley at Old Trafford before the September international break.
The youngster did manage to secure 45 minutes of action against the Clarets, though, with Mason Mount's first-half injury opening the door for the academy product to be introduced at the half-time interval.
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo on August 27, 2025
Napoli were 'the favourites' to sign Mainoo from Man United
Man United only have one midweek match between now and Christmas, and they will not play in a competition other than the Premier League until January.
Indeed, the Red Devils were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby, while they were unable to secure European football for the 2025-26 campaign due to their struggles last term.
Mainoo is said to have serious concerns about his playing time in a World Cup year, with his chances of representing England at the 2026 competition dwindling due to his issues at club level.
According to ESPN, Napoli were the favourites to sign Mainoo on loan in the latter stages of the summer window, but Man United were not prepared to let the midfielder leave.
The report claims that the Italian giants are still interested, with a move in January not completely ruled out, but Man United would need to bring in a replacement.
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo in action against Grimsby Town on August 27, 2025
Will Mainoo start the Manchester derby?
Mainoo was not selected in the England squad for the September internationals, while he has only played 45 minutes of Premier League football this season, so he should be well rested ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester City.
However, the Englishman is again likely to start on the bench for the Manchester derby, with Casemiro and Fernandes the favoured midfield partnership of head coach Ruben Amorim this season.
Both Casemiro and Fernandes have been in action for Brazil and Portugal during the break, although the former did not feature in his country's second game against Chile.
Man United are still sweating over the fitness of both Matheus Cunha and Mount for Sunday's game, with the pair suffering injuries in the clash with Burnley at the end of August.
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