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Ruben Amorim | AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has some decisions to make ahead of the January transfer window
Manchester United will be able to freshen up their ranks when the January transfer window opens up for business. They have the chance to bring in some new faces this winter. The Red Devils also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed.
Ruben Amorim delved into the market over the summer to snap up the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, among others. The former Sporting Lisbon man was appointed as the head coach at Old Trafford back in November 2024. He was picked as the replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo eyed by Napoli
According to Football Italia, Napoli have made ‘contact’ about signing Kobbie Mainoo from United. The Serie A side are interested in landing the 20-year-old. He is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2027 but his long-term future is up in the air.
Mainoo, 20, is an England international with 10 caps under his belt so far in his career. He has seen his game time dry up with his current club over recent times under Amorim. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him leave for a change of scene at some point down the line.
The Stockport-born man has risen up through the academy at United and was a regular for them at various different youth levels as a teenager. He made his first-team debut back in January 2023 in a Carabao Cup tie against Charlton Athletic. The prospect has since gone on to make 81 appearances in all competitions, nine of which have come this season, and he has chipped in with seven goals.
Will Manchester United sell Kobbie Mainoo?
A switch to Napoli would be an exciting new challenge for him. They won the Italian top flight in the last campaign and play in the Champions League. If he went to Naples, he would reunite with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund.
Former United man Nicky Butt has delivered his verdict on Mainoo, as per Sky Sports: “I’m worried about him because he’s a superstar. He’s got to the England team at 18/19. He was one of the best performers in the Euros for us.
“He’s come through the academy at Man United from the age of seven. He was there when I was there as academy manager. I know him as a person. I knew him as a young boy. I know him as a young man. I know the talent that he’s got. And the scary thing for me is if Kobbie Mainoo was playing for Crystal Palace, for example, if he was at any other football club, bar Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, where it’s hard to get players out of, Man United would be in for him in January for 50 60 million.
“And it’s sad because I know how much he loves football. I know how much he loves the football club. More importantly, as we all do, we know the talent that he’s got and it’s a waste.”
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