BBC: ‘Interesting development’ in Man United’s prospective January deal for £45m midfielder

Napoli are conceding they might not be able to facilitate a move for Kobbie Mainoo this month following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The reigning Serie A leaders had been targeting Mainoo since the closing stages of the summer window when he first established his desire to leave on loan, having been left on the bench for Manchester United’s first two matches of the campaign.Mainoo could benefit most from Amorim’s departure(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)While he did start being utilised by Amorim, the midfielder’s situation didn’t improve substantially and, in the first half of the campaign, he had not made a single Premier League start.This prompted Napoli to revive their interest in the weeks leading up to January, with Mainoo said to be fully on board with the prospect of joining the Italian giants.However, that might’ve all changed this week.Amorim’s exit could well pave the way for the 20-year-old, valued at around £45 million by United last year, to reclaim a starting spot under Darren Fletcher and the eventual manager/caretaker manager, meaning Mainoo’s priority will be to stay put at his boyhood club.Mainoo still awaiting first start of 2025/2026(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)What’s more, he has also returned to training this week following a four-game absence with a calf injury.“Kobbie Mainoo’s return to training is an interesting development,” said BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone on X/Twitter this morning. “Napoli’s belief that they can sign the Man Utd midfielder this transfer window is receding post Ruben Amorim’s exit.“If, as expected, Darren Fletcher and whoever follows to the end of the season plays with four at the back, it creates space for Mainoo to play. Then it is down to his performances.”United take on Burnley this evening in an 8.15pm kick-off before hosting Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday in their FA Cup opener.