Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could be on the move in January, as three possible destinations emerge.
The 20-year-old is an academy product of the club who enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom under the guidance of Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign. However, his fortunes changed following Amorim’s arrival at the club last November.
The Portuguese manager tested the youngster in various roles last season, but wasn’t entirely convinced. This term, Amorim made it clear that Mainoo will have to ‘fight’ for a spot in the lineup against club captain, Bruno Fernandes. Unsurprisingly, the 30-year-old has been given the nod ahead of the youngster in all six Premier League fixtures thus far this season.
Kobbie Mainoo to revive Napoli plans?
The England international had already envisioned a difficult campaign for him at Carrington, so he had requested a loan move in late August. After all, he’s been desperate for playing time ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
According to the Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler, Mainoo’s first option last summer would have been Napoli, where his former United teammate, Scott McTominay, has been thriving, and even went on to win the Serie A title last season, and was named the league’s MVP.
The source thus believes that the young midfielder will revive his exit plans come January, especially if Amorim is still at the helm, and a move to Antonio Conte’s court could be back in fashion. The player’s other options are crosstown rivals, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Could Mainoo resurrect Man Utd career with new role?
In the meantime, it remains to be seen if the Englishman can somehow find his way back to Man Utd’s lineup, which remains a popular demand among the club’s supporters. While usurping Bruno remains unlikely, recent reports claimed that the technical staff is working on repackaging Mainoo as a No.6, where he’ll have a higher chance of getting the nod amidst Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’s struggles.
Nevertheless, Wheeler notes the young star’s lack of fitness was evident last Saturday, as he was unable to maintain possession in the closing stages of the contest against Brentford, thus allowing the hosts to add a third goal.
So while Amorim’s treatment of Mainoo might be somewhat unfair, the player must also do his part, and work hard to maintain his best physical condition so he wouldn’t squander a rare opportunity when it comes his way.
