Things could’ve been much different for Mainoo had United given the green light to a loan move during the summer window - something the player was reportedly open to. Instead, the club’s hierarchy were adamant that Mainoo would only be allowed to leave on a permanent basis, otherwise, he’d have to knuckle down and focus on impressing Amorim and the United coaching staff.
But with United having been knocked out of the only cup competition accessible to them this side of Christmas, Mainoo’s limited game time has already been impacted significantly. As such, should the situation fail to change between now and the January window, there are suggestions Mainoo could finally seal a move away from his boyhood club.
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The Daily Mail have reported that Mainoo would be open to joining Napoli, with the Serie A outfit having held an interest during the recent summer window. Napoli have become somewhat of a safe haven for struggling Premier League players, with Scott McTominay having been named the league’s MVP during the Azzurri’s title-winning campaign last time around.
Romelu Lukaku, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and most recently Rasmus Hojlund have all joined the Italian side, with Mainoo potentially set to become the next. The same outlet also report that a switch to Spain could be on the cards too, with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also keeping tabs on the 20-year-old.
Mainoo broke into the United team under Erik ten Hag and was among the goal scorers during the three-time European champions’ FA Cup triumph in 2024.
His breakout season for United earned him a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024, where after starting the tournament on the bench, he earned a spot in the team that made it to the final.