Kobbie Mainoo could be set to leave Manchester United before the transfer window closes, with the midfielder pushing for a move to Napoli, and he was once showered with praise by Alejandro Garnacho
13:55, 29 Aug 2025
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United celebrates with Alejandro Garnacho
Kobbie Mainoo was given glowing praise by Alejandro Garnacho(Image: Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo could be on the brink of a Manchester United departure, and the Red Devils might be set to lose a player Alejandro Garnacho once described as "the best player in the squad."
Whilst Garnacho's own future appears to lie away from Old Trafford, with a switch to Chelsea in the pipeline, Mainoo could be heading to Serie A champions Napoli before Monday's transfer deadline as the midfielder presses for a move.
The 20-year-old Mainoo was previously viewed as a cornerstone of United's future following his displays over the past two campaigns. The youngster accumulated a tally of spectacular strikes and secured his England debut just over 12 months ago.
He also delivered a man of the match display in United's FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City in 2024 after netting the decisive goal. It was following that clash with City where Garnacho lavished his team-mate with extraordinary praise.
Speaking to the BBC, alongside Mainoo, Garnacho reflected on the midfielder's instrumental contribution to the victory.
"Just incredible," Garnacho said. "I always say, for me, he's the best player in the squad and he's the youngest. We are also very good friends so I am very happy for him" Upon handing the man of the match trophy to Mainoo, Garnacho said: "My man, I love you."
Ruben Amorim talking to Kobbie Mainoo
Ruben Amorim has only started Kobbie Mainoo 16 times since he took over at the club(Image: PA)
With a squad littered with talent, it said it all about Mainoo's ability, that at just 20, he was given such an accolade. The England midfielder’s contract runs until 2027 at United but negotiations over an extension have stalled.
The Italian champions reportedly have a four-year contract waiting for Mainoo, with the player having told United bosses he wants to go to Serie A, but on a permanent deal.
However, United are understandably wary, given the remarkable impact another former player, Scott McTominay, has had at Napoli, and they have so far prevented Mainoo's transfer. They are believed to value him at £50million and are open to offers, however.
Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has only started 16 out of 44 games, and he was left on the bench for the second consecutive Premier League match this season as United drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday. However, Mainoo did play the full 90 minutes in Wednesday's EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat at Grimsby.
Alejandro Garnacho receiving instructions from Ruben Amorim
Alejandro Garnacho has struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty)
A video of Mainoo looking disheartened at the final whistle at Fulham went viral on social media, fuelling rumours of his potential exit ahead of Monday's deadline. Meanwhile, United have agreed a £40m deal with Chelsea for Garnacho, following a period where he fell out of favour with Amorim.
The Red Devils have managed to secure a 10 per cent sell-on fee after United held their ground on their valuation of Garnacho, having turned down Chelsea's initial bid of £25m. Garnacho was omitted from United's starting line-up for their 1-0 Europa League final loss to Tottenham and openly criticised Amorim in the wake of the defeat in Bilbao.
If Mainoo makes the switch to Napoli, he'll be aiming to replicate the success of McTominay. The Scotsman was permitted to depart Old Trafford last summer for Antonio Conte's side in a £25m deal.
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Since then, he has delivered a series of standout performances, both domestically and in Europe, becoming the first Scot to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or since former Rangers striker Ally McCoist in 1987.