Kobbie Mainoo wants more playing time than he is being offered at Manchester United and appears open to a transfer away from the club with Napoli interested in his signaturee
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim wants Kobbie Mainoo to STAY at Old Trafford. The Red Devils boss was adamant in his press conference ahead of his side’s clash at Burnley despite speculation mounting over a possible exit.
Napoli are among the club’s said to be interested in Mainoo’s signature with the midfielder desperate for playing time ahead of next summer’s World Cup. The 20-year-old was not selected in Ruben Amorim’s latest England squad ahead of fixtures in September, falling behind figures such as Elliot Andereson and Adam Wharton.
Mainoo has yet to play a Premier League minute this season. And the starlet has told United chiefs he wants to make the move to Serie A permanently.
Antonio Conte’s side are ready to offer a four-year deal having signed star player Scott McTominay 12 months ago. And Mainoo is hopeful of undergoing a similar progression if a £50million move materialises with negotiations over an extension to his current contract having stalled with United.
But Amorim has attempted to pour cold water on the suggestion of a move, and says the club need Mainoo at their disposal. The Portuguese coach has called on his charge to fight for his place.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim explains why he sometimes wants to quit Man Utd and ‘hates his players’READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand sends emotional plea to Kobbie Mainoo after his Man Utd transfer demand
“I want Kobbie to stay,” Amorim said. “He needs to fight for his place.
And we need Kobbie, so that is not going to change. I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed.
“Everyone will have the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week.”
United will see some exits in the final days of the summer transfer window however. The club have agreed a £40m deal to see Alejandro Garnacho depart for Chelsea with a transfer being almost finalised.
Rasmus Hojlund and Antony look set to leave Old Trafford on loan too. Deals with Napoli and Real Betis respectively are expected before the deadline, with neither playing having been included in a squad this season.
United will be hopeful of finding destinations for Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. Both players spent time on loan last season and have not been involved with the club’s first team this summer. Roma are interested in a deal to sign ex-Borussia Dortmund star Sancho.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.