McTominay's Personal Campaign for Mainoo
Former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay is actively campaigning for his old club to sell rising star Kobbie Mainoo to Napoli, according to fresh reports emerging from Italy. The Scotland international, who left Old Trafford in 2024, has personally approached Napoli manager Antonio Conte about securing a deal for the 20-year-old during the January transfer window.
Mainoo's Dramatic Fall From Grace
Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United has deteriorated significantly since the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim. Despite being a key player last season, the young midfielder has been limited to just eight appearances this campaign. Amorim has consistently preferred the experienced combination of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, leaving Mainoo to make seven of his appearances from the substitutes' bench.
The situation reached a new low when Mainoo was completely omitted from the matchday squad during United's 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest. He then missed the subsequent game against Tottenham Hotspur entirely due to injury concerns, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Consequences and Potential Solutions
With Manchester United already eliminated from the Carabao Cup and without European football this season, opportunities for Mainoo to regain match fitness are severely limited. This lack of playing time could potentially harm his international prospects, including his ambitions to feature in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
A January loan move has emerged as the most likely solution, with Serie A champions Napoli positioned as frontrunners for his signature. Previous reports suggested the Italian club were prepared to cover Mainoo's entire wages to bring him to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
McTominay, who enjoyed a stellar debut season in Italy scoring 12 goals and helping Napoli secure the Scudetto, appears determined to facilitate a reunion. A source revealed: "Scott has been to see Conte and told him to get Kobbie. He's told him all about his strengths and what an outstanding player he is. He knows all about him from his time at United and thinks he would be a great addition to the squad."
The source added that McTominay believes Mainoo's upbringing through United's academy system means he would "fit straight in and give Napoli a boost" whether through a loan or permanent deal.
Amorim recently acknowledged the difficult situation, telling beIN Sports: "I see Kobbie Mainoo training today, and he deserves to play, but then I have to take one guy [out] that's playing really well." The United manager expressed regret about their early Carabao Cup exit, noting it would have provided valuable minutes for players like Mainoo.
