Manchester United stand to lose Kobbie Mainoo in January, with the 20-year-old midfielder being severely under-utilised by Ruben Amorim.
This season, after 15 Premier League games, Kobbie Mainoo has yet to start for Manchester United, accumulating just 183 minutes.
Despite Ruben Amorim stating Mainoo deserves to be playing, there is no sign of this happening, with his minutes still at an insulting level.
Ruben Amorim admitted coaches can be wrong about a player when discussing Kobbie Mainoo
Could Mainoo follow Vitinha and become a 'best in the world' calibre star if he gets a transfer?
Amorim/Mainoo/Vitinha
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It has been reported that Amorim is pushing Mainoo to improve out of possession. Which is a fair demand, but still no excuse for the lack of minutes.
Now, ahead of the January transfer window, discussions around his future are heating up.
Kobbie Mainoo playing for Manchester United
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Fabrizio Romano provides update on Kobbie Mainoo to Napoli
It is unlikely that United will allow Mainoo to leave the club permanently in January, with a loan far more likely, if he is to depart at all.
There have been contrasting reports on the status of Mainoo’s loan, with Napoli suggested as the top contender for his signature.
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Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano has explained Napoli’s current stance on signing Mainoo.
“It’s normal that some of the clubs interested in Kobbie Mainoo. For example, Napoli hope for the possibility to get the player as soon as possible.
Push comes to shove: Would you rather have Kobbie Mainoo stay at Man Utd or Ruben Amorim?
Kobbie Mainoo and Ruben Amorim split
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“They need players. Not only Napoli, but more than 10 clubs are interested in Kobbie. So let’s see what’s going to happen there.
“At the moment, there is still no green light from United, and unless the situation changes in the next days, everything depends on United or Ruben Amorim and on the timing of this story.”
Napoli’s director has even discussed Mainoo and a potential deal for the 20-year-old, saying the club is making assessments.
Kobbie Mainoo could have a Paul Pogba-esque rise in Serie A
Napoli are not alone in wanting the midfielder, with Juventus also linked with Mainoo, a move that could repeat United’s regret of letting Paul Pogba leave.
Like Pogba, Mainoo is an incredibly technically gifted midfielder; however, off the ball, he isn’t as impressive, as Amorim’s lack of trust alludes to.
However, in Serie A, Mainoo could really step up a few levels in a slower league where he would have less to do without the ball, instead focusing on his strengths.
Scott McTominay became a star for Napoli, and Mainoo is even more talented than the Scot, meaning it could really unlock the next level for the academy graduate.
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