Published On: Wed, Oct 29th, 2025
Sports | 4,585 views

Man Utd braced for January transfer raid with Ruben Amorim’s stance already clear | Football | Sport

Mainoo has only clocked up 138 minutes over seven Premier League games this season. The playmaker will be hoping for more pitch time to boost his chances of securing a spot in the England squad for the World Cup.

Italian reports suggest that Napoli ‘will try again’ to secure Mainoo’s services. Their ambitions are likely to have been heightened due to their current injury crisis.

Kevin de Bruyne faces months on the sidelines after sustaining a muscle tear following his penalty goal against Inter Milan. The 34-year-old has been a consistent presence in the squad since arriving on a free transfer in the summer.

Stanislav Lobotka is also sidelined through injury, with former Chelsea man Billy Gilmour stepping in as his replacement.

Additionally, Conte will be without ex-Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa later this year when he represents Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Securing Mainoo’s signature will undoubtedly become more attractive for the Serie A leaders as they seek to address the shortages in their squad.

Discussing Mainoo’s circumstances earlier this season, Amorim acknowledged the player’s desire for more game time but suggested that he would be denied a move elsewhere.

“Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed, I did this week,” Amorim said.

“Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don’t want that feeling.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [the finished article]. I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot.

“I think for some guys it is enough [their talent], but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”