Napoli are preparing to test Manchester United’s resolve in the coming weeks after Koby Mainu failed to secure a move from Old Trafford during the summer
Napoli will test Manchester United’s resolve in signing Koby Mainu. The Italian giants are hoping for further success with the signing of the talented player from Old Trafford, after Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hjølund have provided reinforcements in successive seasons.
Antonio Conte’s side won Serie A last season and are top of the table this season, with McTominay being named MVP in his debut season. Danish star Højlund has had little trouble finding the back of the net this year since joining in the summer, scoring four goals in seven games.
Napoli appear to have found a winning formula by lifting the disgruntled United star, and although they expressed interest in Maynou over the summer, the club’s interest has not waned. United prevented their midfield ace from leaving during the transfer window, and manager Ruben Amorim is said to not want him to leave, even temporarily, in January.
Mainu has appeared in seven Premier League games this season, playing just 138 minutes. The 20-year-old will be hoping for more playing time to reinvigorate his chances of making the England World Cup squad, two years on from a breakout season that earned him a call-up to Euro 2024.
According to reports in Italy, Napoli will “try again” to sign Mainu. Their ambitions have certainly increased amidst the injury crisis.
read more: ‘I’ve given up’ Antonio Conte opens up about Kevin De Bruyne’s injury after summer transferread more: Former Manchester United star admits it was his ‘selfish’ decision not to run for manager
Kevin De Bruyne suffered a muscle strain after scoring a penalty against Inter Milan and will be out for several months. The 34-year-old has been a regular in the team since joining on a free transfer in the summer.
Central midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is also injured and has been replaced by former Brighton and Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour. And later this year, Conte will be without former Fulham star Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa when he leads Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Bringing Mainuo to the club will undoubtedly become increasingly attractive as Serie A leaders look to fill gaps in their squad.
Speaking about Mainu’s situation earlier this season, Amorim admitted he would like to feature more. “No, like many players, he wants to play more. I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed, but I had a conversation this week,” Amorim said.
“Because I don’t want Koby Mainu to think that I was having these conversations just to keep him. I don’t want him to feel like that.
“I have a lot of faith in Koby, but there are some people who think Koby Mainu is already done (completed article). I think he can be better, I think he can be even better.”
“I think it’s enough (talent) for some players, but not enough for him. Maybe it’s unfair, but I think it’s helping Koby Mainu. That’s it. He’ll have the same chance as any other player.”
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