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Man United boss Ruben Amorim has decided to block midfielder move in January

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly set to block any attempt by midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to leave Old Trafford on loan in the January transfer window, despite growing frustration from the player and increasing interest from abroad.

According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Serie A champions Napoli have made Mainoo their top midfield target for January, with Antonio Conte personally pushing for a loan deal to strengthen his squad during the second half of the season.

Conte believes the 20-year-old Englishman’s energy, control, and vision could make him a key component of Napoli’s system as they aim to defend their league title.

The United midfielder has also been linked with a move to Chelsea.

Ruben Amorim wants to keep Kobbie Mainoo

However, Amorim has no plans to sanction his departure, even temporarily.

The Portuguese coach views Mainoo as a player who could still play a vital role in United’s campaign, particularly with several key stars set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January.

Players such as Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will be absent during that period, making squad depth crucial.

Once considered one of the brightest prospects in United’s academy, Mainoo’s progress has stalled since Amorim’s arrival.

Despite impressive showings under previous management, he has found himself on the fringes this season, struggling for minutes in a midfield packed with senior players.

Mainoo was already keen to go out on loan last summer, hoping to secure regular football to continue his development and keep his slim hopes of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad alive.

His patience has worn thin after being left out of multiple matchday squads in recent months.

Reports from Italy claim Napoli are ready to offer a straight loan deal, covering Mainoo’s full salary and guaranteeing him first-team football under Conte.

The Italian champions believe the move could benefit all parties, giving the player much-needed game time while allowing United to monitor his progress from afar.

Napoli are interested in the Man United midfielder

Kobbie Mainoo of Man United
Kobbie Mainoo of Man United (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Napoli are also optimistic due to their strong relationship with Man United following recent transfer dealings, including the Scott McTominay move. That precedent could help smooth negotiations, though Amorim’s stance remains firm.

Despite his reluctance to select Mainoo regularly, Amorim is wary of losing too many midfield options midseason.

With Casemiro’s future uncertain and the club’s pursuit of reinforcements like Adam Wharton and Angelo Stiller unlikely to materialise until the summer, United simply cannot afford to weaken the squad further.

Amorim will hold direct talks with Mainoo in the coming days to reassure him of his place in the long-term project, even if short-term opportunities remain limited.

Report: One eye on the future as Man United intensify interest in midfield prodigy

The post Man United boss Ruben Amorim has decided to block midfielder move in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Sources: Chelsea “leading the chase” as 12 clubs enter race to sign Premier League prodigy

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By:Saikat

Manchester United’s highly-rated young midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, has become a key player in the rumour mill due to a lack of consistent game time at Old Trafford.

Major European clubs, including Chelsea, are closely monitoring his situation.

Mainoo is reportedly eager for a move to secure more game time to bolster his chances of making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. He is actively seeking a fresh challenge to accelerate his development.

Kobbie Mainoo prefers Napoli

Although at least 12 clubs are reportedly in the race, sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Chelsea and Bayern Munich are “leading the chase”. However, the player’s personal preference list still places Napoli as the frontrunner. Mainoo is prioritising where he can be a guaranteed starter as he plots his next move.

Scott McTominay has done quite well at Napoli, leaving Manchester United, and the 20-year-old midfielder is looking to follow in his footsteps. Napoli will be able to provide him with regular opportunities, and he will be able to work with a world-class manager like Antonio Conte at the Italian club.

Mainoo is a promising player with a bright future, and he could develop into a key player for Napoli with the right guidance. It will be interesting to see if the Italian club can get the deal done.

Chelsea could use Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Man Utd (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Chelsea are among the clubs leading the race to sign the player. They need more control in the middle of the park. The Manchester United player is well settled in English football, and he could make an immediate impact. He could complement the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. The youngster has the quality to complete their midfield for the foreseeable future.

It will be interesting to see if they can convince Manchester United to sell. They are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and the England International midfielder could be the final piece of the puzzle for them.

The post Sources: Chelsea “leading the chase” as 12 clubs enter race to sign Premier League prodigy appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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“The whispers I’ve been hearing” – Man United star poised to join Chelsea

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By:John Menzies

It is becoming increasingly likely that Kobbie Mainoo will leave Man United during the January transfer window, with the young midfielder still not in Ruben Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford.

It has been a season of struggle for Mainoo, who has still yet to start for Man United in the Premier League. In total, he has made 11 appearances, with 10 of those being cameos from the bench in the league, which has underlined his lack of importance for Amorim.

Mainoo’s situation has attracted strong interest from a number of clubs, including Bayern Munich. However, it is more likely that he remains in the Premier League, albeit not with Man United.

Chelsea ready to make move for Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United against Grimsby
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Man United against Grimsby (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

As per Football Insider, Keith Wyness has revealed that Man United’s plans to sign Adam Wharton in 2026 will mean that Mainoo is pushed out of the door – and Chelsea are the most likely candidates for his signature.

“I think it’s very unfair and I think that Mainoo, look, he’s a squandered talent in that sense. I just don’t think he’s, for some reason, he hasn’t caught Amorim’s eye. He thinks he doesn’t fit the style. I think that they decided that Adam Wharton is going to be one of their targets and I think that Mainoo may find himself reinventing himself at Chelsea.

“That’s where I see the situation going and that’s the whispers I’ve been hearing. I think it would be good for Mainoo. I think he needs to get out of there and move forward.”

Will Man United regret letting Kobbie Mainoo leave?

There was a lot of excitement at Man United when Mainoo broke into the first team fold during the 2023-24 season, and understandably so. He looked like one of the best talents in England, as was shown by him starting for the national team at Euro 2024.

If he can recapture that form elsewhere, Man United may certainly end up rue his departure, were it to happen in 2026.

The post “The whispers I’ve been hearing” – Man United star poised to join Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Euro giants “still very attentive” to the situation of Man United star ahead of January

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Napoli are keeping a close eye on Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United, as the Italian giants continue to explore potential midfield reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the reigning Serie A champions are “still very attentive” to the 20-year-old’s development and potential availability but United have made it clear they are not prepared to lose him in January.

The Italian giants are said to be a long-term admirer of Mainoo, who has been on the club’s radar since his breakthrough at Old Trafford.

With several midfielders from the Italian side set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January, including André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Napoli are eager to strengthen their midfield depth temporarily.

Can Kobbie Mainoo leave Man United in January?

However, the club acknowledges that signing Mainoo, even on loan, would be a complex operation.

Man United view the youngster as a key component of their future plans and have no intention of sanctioning his departure midway through the campaign.

With several senior players unavailable due to AFCON duties, including the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, the teenager’s presence in midfield has become even more critical.

Amorim has reportedly blocked any transfer approaches, emphasising that Mainoo will play a pivotal role in United’s rotation through a congested winter schedule that includes domestic and European fixtures.

Napoli among clubs closely watching Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Man Utd (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

While Napoli’s interest is the most concrete, clubs from Spain and Germany are also said to be monitoring Mainoo’s situation closely.

For now, Napoli’s pursuit seems destined to be delayed rather than dismissed entirely.

Should United make midfield reinforcements of their own in the summer, Mainoo could become a more realistic target for the Italian side.

Intense battle on the cards as Man United & Chelsea make contact for “really good player”

The post Euro giants “still very attentive” to the situation of Man United star ahead of January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Insider reveals Manchester United star could be a transfer target for Bayern Munich

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By:Mark Brus

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly someone who could be a prospective transfer target for Bayern Munich, according to Christian Falk.

Writing in his latest column for CF Bayern Insider, Falk explained that Mainoo is not currently thought to be a top priority for Bayern, but he is an option that could be one to watch.

The England international is struggling for playing time at Man Utd at the moment, having started only one game all season, and none in the Premier League.

Given that the World Cup 2026 is approaching, Mainoo will surely want to be playing regular first-team football in the second half of the season to give himself a chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

Kobbie Mainoo to leave Manchester United?

Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Man Utd (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Mainoo might not currently be a top target for Bayern, but he’ll surely be leaving Old Trafford soon after an unhappy first half of the season under Ruben Amorim.

Amorim has had some criticism for his treatment of Mainoo, and it would certainly be a risk to let him join another top European club as the backlash from fans could be fierce if the 20-year-old goes on to develop into a world class player.

Napoli are another big name being strongly linked with Mainoo by La Repubblica and others, so that might be the one to watch out for if Bayern aren’t pursuing him.

Will United live to regret Mainoo decision?

Mainoo showed great potential when he first broke into the MUFC first-team as a teenager, becoming a regular under Erik ten Hag and even scoring the winning goal for the club in the 2024 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

It’s not clear why Amorim won’t make more use of Mainoo, and it could end up being a decision he and United live to regret.

Not only is Mainoo a fine young player with what is surely a big future ahead of him, but replacing him with another midfielder of that calibre would surely cost huge money, whereas Mainoo rose up from the club’s academy, so cost them nothing.

The post Insider reveals Manchester United star could be a transfer target for Bayern Munich appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Baffled ex-Man United coach says he “can’t fathom” one major Ruben Amorim decision

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By:Mark Brus

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen admits he can’t fathom why current Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim has been unable to find a place in his team for Kobbie Mainoo.

It’s been a frustrating season for Mainoo, who has started just one of his 11 appearances for Amorim’s side so far this term – the defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup.

The highly-rated young England international was previously a key player for Man Utd, playing 37 games in all competitions last season and 32 the year before that, including starting and scoring for the club in their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Kobbie Mainoo now surely heading for Man United exit, says Rene Meulensteen

Speaking to BestNewBingoSites, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Meulensteen now believes we’re going to see Mainoo leave the club after his lack of opportunities.

Kobbie Mainoo in a Manchester United training session
Kobbie Mainoo in a Manchester United training session (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Meulensteen, who worked at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson, clearly isn’t happy with how Mainoo has been treated, however, saying he cannot understand why Amorim wouldn’t make more use of him alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

Meulensteen said: “I think there’s a strong possibility that he leaves the club in January on loan. I think he tried to leave in the summer to follow Scott McTominay to Napoli, but the club blocked the move.

“Kobbie Mainoo played himself into the United team and the England set-up by playing absolutely fantastic football for someone so young. He established himself in this team as a starter, and the club and United fans love to see a young player from the academy being successful in the first team,” the Dutchman added.

“For whatever reason, Amorim doesn’t seem keen to play Kobbie which frustrates the fans and myself as I think he is a really talented player.

“I think the reason his game time has been significantly reduced is due to the signings United made over the summer and the formation they play. Signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo meant Bruno Fernandes has slotted back into a more defensive position, where we have seen Mainoo play in recent years.

“I can’t fathom why Mainoo and Bruno can’t play together, but maybe Amorim thinks they’re too similar. I would definitely like to see them play together.”

Man United to make changes in midfield?

One imagines Mainoo would have been given his chance by now if there really was any plan for Amorim to do so.

Things can change quickly in football, of course, but Mainoo surely isn’t going to wait around for much longer as he’ll need to play regularly in order to have any chance of making it into England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup next summer.

Napoli continue to be linked as the frontrunners to sign Mainoo, as per La Repubblica and others, so it will be interesting to see if he ends up following former teammate Scott McTominay to Serie A.

The post Baffled ex-Man United coach says he “can’t fathom” one major Ruben Amorim decision appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Man United star gives ‘green light’ over January exit with club waiting to sign him

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By:Ahad Shaukat

Napoli have identified Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as their top transfer priority for the January window, according to La Repubblica.

The Italian champions are looking to strengthen their midfield as injuries continue to hinder their campaign, and sporting director Giovanni Manna has reportedly made the 20-year-old England international his “pole position” target.

With Napoli operating under financial constraints, their recruitment strategy for the winter market will focus primarily on loan signings, making Mainoo an ideal target.

The structure of such a deal is said to appeal to all parties. Napoli would secure an energetic, ball-progressing midfielder to bolster Antonio Conte’s system, while Mainoo would gain valuable first team experience in a league renowned for its tactical rigor.

Antonio Conte wants Man United midfielder

Conte is reportedly a major driving force behind the pursuit. The Italian manager has been impressed by Mainoo’s composure, versatility, and pressing ability, traits that fit seamlessly into his preferred high-intensity setup.

A loan deal would also allow Man United to retain control over Mainoo’s long-term future, while ensuring he continues to develop in a competitive environment.

United boss Rúben Amorim, however, has been reluctant to grant him consistent minutes this season, which has reportedly frustrated the player and his representatives.

Mainoo has already approved the potential move, encouraged by the chance to reunite with former teammate Scott McTominay and ex-Man United star Romelu Lukaku, both of whom have enjoyed a resurgence under Conte in Italy.

Sources close to the player suggest he is eager to gain regular playing time ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Kobbie Mainoo wants more playing time

Kobbie Mainoo in the pre-match warm-up for Man United
Kobbie Mainoo in the pre-match warm-up for Man United (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

While United are open to allowing Mainoo to leave temporarily, they remain cautious about letting another young midfielder depart given the team’s ongoing struggles in central areas.

Amorim has publicly stated that squad depth is “a priority concern,” though club sources admit a short-term loan could help balance development needs and squad management.

With Napoli pushing to wrap up the deal swiftly, attention now turns to whether Man United will sanction the move.

If completed, the move could mark a pivotal moment in Mainoo’s development, a chance to test himself in Serie A under one of Europe’s most demanding managers, and potentially return to Old Trafford next summer a more complete, battle-hardened player.

Report: Man United and Tottenham target has made Liverpool his top choice now

The post Man United star gives ‘green light’ over January exit with club waiting to sign him appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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