Manchester United's interim managerial favourite, Michael Carrick, has publicly endorsed academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, signalling a potential shift in the midfielder's fortunes at Old Trafford. This internal vote of confidence comes as the club's firm stance on retaining Mainoo creates a ripple effect in the transfer market, with Serie A side Napoli now pursuing an alternative Premier League target.
Carrick's Academy Faith and Mainoo's Fresh Start
With Ruben Amorim's recent departure, the door has reopened for several squad players, notably Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder, who had been used sporadically under the former boss, was handed a start in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton on Sunday, 12th January 2026.
Michael Carrick, the leading candidate to take temporary charge until the season's end, has long been an admirer. The former United midfielder and caretaker manager emphasised Mainoo's intrinsic value last summer. "I think for a club to have a player that has come through the academy, knows the club and feels it - that's massive," Carrick stated. He added that such a talent must be nurtured, built upon, and retained, concluding definitively: "I think there's definitely a place for him."
This public backing suggests Mainoo is poised for a more prominent role during the interim period, a stark contrast to the exit links that circulated during Amorim's tenure.
United's Transfer Dilemma and Midfield Search
The club's refusal to entertain offers for Mainoo, however, has directly impacted their broader transfer strategy. Under Amorim, United identified a clear need for midfield reinforcements, with the team often overrun in their 3-4-3 setup. Targets included Newcastle's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but no deals materialised.
This search for new midfield energy continues, with Wolves' Brazilian dynamo Joao Gomes remaining a key person of interest. Gomes has been a standout performer in a struggling Wolves side this season.
Napoli's Pivot from Mainoo to Gomes
According to reports from the Daily Mail, United's firm decision to block any loan or permanent move for Kobbie Mainoo has forced Napoli to alter their own transfer plans. The Italian club had shown interest in taking Mainoo on loan but, faced with United's resistance, have now turned their attention to Wolves' Joao Gomes.
This sets up a potential transfer tussle, with both clubs eyeing the same player for similar reasons. Wolves manager Rob Edwards has acknowledged that interest in his squad's top performers is inevitable, stating the club would listen to offers that represent the right business, a comment made recently regarding striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The situation leaves Manchester United at a crossroads: empower a homegrown talent under a familiar interim coach, while simultaneously navigating a competitive market to address a long-standing squad weakness that their previous manager failed to solve.
