Napoli's Strategic Move for Kobbie Mainoo
Napoli is reportedly considering a bold move to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in January, aiming to test the resolve of the English club. The Italian side, under the guidance of manager Antonio Conte, has found success by offering players who are out of favor at Old Trafford a fresh start in southern Italy.
This strategy has already proven effective with players like Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, whose careers have seen a resurgence since joining Napoli. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the club is determined to make another attempt to recruit Mainoo, having shown interest in the 20-year-old this summer. The publication suggests that the success of McTominay and Hojlund makes it a "guarantee" that Napoli will relaunch their efforts to bring Mainoo to Serie A.
Mainoo initially appeared to be a key figure in Manchester United’s midfield, showing promise on the international stage with England during last year’s Euros. However, he has fallen out of favor under Ruben Amorim this season, often playing as a substitute and accumulating only 138 minutes in total in the Premier League. His brief appearances against Chelsea and Liverpool have left many fans puzzled, prompting speculation that Mainoo may seek a move elsewhere.
Conte is looking to rebuild Napoli’s midfield, and the current situation is being viewed as an "emergency" by the club. Kevin de Bruyne, 34, is currently sidelined after suffering a serious thigh tear, while Stanislav Lobotka, a crucial player for Napoli, has also been plagued by injuries. Additionally, Frank Zambo Anguissa will join Cameroon for AFCON later this year, leaving a gap in the midfield.
Lobotka and Anguissa are both 29, and Napoli is aiming to refresh the age profile in midfield as they plan for the future. Billy Gilmour, a former Chelsea player, remains at the club and has become increasingly important in recent weeks due to the injuries of key players.
Mainoo could potentially join a group of former Premier League players now thriving in Naples. For Manchester United fans, the thought of Mainoo departing would be painful. Rio Ferdinand recently expressed his desire for Mainoo to remain at the club, stating, “I do not want Kobbie Mainoo putting on any other shirt other than England's or Man United's, simple as.”
Ferdinand added, “If he was agitating to get a loan now, if he is not playing in January, he will be agitating and knocking the door down even more to go and get game time. He has had a taste of a tournament with England and came out of it with absolutely flying colours, and he will want a taste of that again.”
He emphasized the importance of integrating Mainoo into the team, saying, “If you are thinking long-term for Manchester United, I think Manchester United have to find a way of getting this kid in the team. He is a huge talent. Is there another way to get him in the team, what does he need to do, that is the big thing for me.”
Amorim has been clear about where Mainoo stands, explaining that the young midfielder is competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot. The head coach noted that the style of play under his stewardship is different from previous managers, emphasizing the need for players who can "calm down the game" in key moments.
Amorim also outlined the areas where Mainoo needs to improve, stating, “I think he needs to have the technical ability that he has, but he needs more pace. He needs to understand the position better, he needs to play in different speeds, sometimes it is lower, sometimes it is faster, and I think he can improve on that.”
As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes are on whether Napoli will make a move for Mainoo and how it might impact the future of the young midfielder at Manchester United.
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