New Club Targets Kobbie Mainoo with Tempting Man Utd Midfield Reunion Proposal

Kobbie Mainoo may potentially get the opportunity to reunite with Scott McTominay following reports of Napoli's emerging interest in the young midfielder.

The Manchester United youth product's prospects at Old Trafford have become increasingly uncertain in the opening weeks of this campaign. Mainoo remained on the sidelines as an unused substitute while his teammates managed just one point from their opening two Premier League fixtures, leading to widespread speculation that the 20-year-old midfielder had reluctantly come to terms with potentially departing his childhood club to secure regular playing time.

Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have been linked with moves for the deep-lying midfielder, and now Serie A titleholders Napoli appear to have entered the race for his signature, as reported by the Daily Mail. During discussions regarding a potential loan arrangement for Rasmus Højlund, the possibility of securing Mainoo's services is expected to be discussed.

The Stockport native would encounter a recognizable presence throughout Naples. McTominay—affectionately dubbed McFratm by supporters, a moniker derived from Neapolitan dialect meaning "my brother"—captured the affection of the fanbase in his adopted city while helping guide Napoli to Serie A glory last season.

Mainoo featured in 28 matches alongside McTominay at United, with both players starting in the successful 2024 FA Cup final. While the more experienced academy product departed for Serie A shortly after that Wembley triumph, Mainoo has struggled to reach those same heights. Physical setbacks and tactical disagreements with Ruben Amorim have contributed to this marked decline.

Making his first start for the club since May, Mainoo completed the full 90 minutes during United's disappointing EFL Cup second round elimination against Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.

Prior to the match, Amorim addressed questions about the struggling England international. "I have high expectations for Kobbie Mainoo, and people sometimes assume you should simply hand things over," he explained to Sky Sports. "I believe it's crucial for Kobbie to compete for his position. I have tremendous faith in Kobbie—perhaps more than others realize—so my expectations remain high."

The general consensus regarding United's latest struggling former standout is that his departure from the club appears inevitable.