Napoli are assessing a potential move for Kobbie Mainoo as the Manchester Evening News reports the midfielder’s Manchester United career has reached a defining moment. The 20-year-old has endured a difficult campaign under Ruben Amorim, and his lack of minutes has prompted several European clubs — including the Serie A side — to explore whether an approach could be possible in 2025.
Mainoo’s rise from academy standout to first-team regular was one of the major success stories of United’s recent seasons. After recovering from an injury-hit period earlier in his career, he forced his way into Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, making 24 Premier League appearances in 2023/24 and establishing himself as one of the club’s most promising young midfielders.
However, injuries last term and managerial changes have disrupted his momentum. Although he amassed over 30 appearances across all competitions, the arrival of Amorim in the second half of the campaign marked a turning point. This season, Mainoo has been reduced to a peripheral figure, making just one start — a Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town that ended in a penalty shootout defeat.
In the Premier League, he has featured nine times from the bench but has not been trusted to start in any of United’s first 14 league fixtures. Most recently, he was an unused substitute in the 1–1 draw against West Ham. He is now one of only four senior outfield players at the club who are yet to start a league game, a statistic that underlines how far he has fallen in Amorim’s pecking order.
That situation has not gone unnoticed. Napoli, who are planning a midfield refresh ahead of next summer, have expressed preliminary interest in Mainoo’s availability. The Italian club view him as a high-upside talent capable of thriving in Serie A’s tactical environment, and believe the uncertainty at United may create a window of opportunity.
For Napoli, the potential appeal is clear: Mainoo’s combination of press resistance, composure and progressive passing fits the club’s long-term plan to evolve their midfield. With several players likely to move on in the next two windows, the Serie A side are positioning themselves to strike should United become open to discussions.
Manchester United, however, face a delicate situation. Amorim has been candid about the need for his squad to “raise standards”, and Mainoo is one of several young players caught between development and immediate team demands. The Portuguese manager is opting for more experienced profiles as he attempts to stabilise United’s performances, leaving Mainoo with limited opportunities to impress.
The midfielder himself is understood to be frustrated by the lack of clarity over his role. Having previously requested a loan move for more game time — a request United rejected — he now finds his future under greater scrutiny. With the January window approaching and other clubs monitoring developments, United may soon have to make a definitive call on whether Mainoo remains part of their long-term rebuild.
Amorim’s side have shown signs of progress but remain inconsistent. The recent defeat to Everton halted a promising run of form, and the manager is likely to lose several key players to the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming weeks. With midfield balance already a concern, the club must decide whether keeping Mainoo as depth outweighs the player’s desire for a clearer pathway.
For Napoli, the situation represents a potential opportunity rarely seen with English midfielders of Mainoo’s profile and age. Should United entertain offers in 2025, the Italian club are expected to be among the first to formalise their interest.
For now, Mainoo remains part of the squad — but as Amorim continues to reshape his side, the young midfielder’s future is becoming increasingly intriguing. A decisive period lies ahead for both player and club.