Manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly trying to block a January move involving Koby Mainu, who has been linked with a move from Manchester United next month. The young midfielder is yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils, despite appearing in 10 games off the bench. This has led to speculation that Mainu could seek to leave in January with the aim of playing more football elsewhere.
The player has been linked with a move in the summer transfer window and is reported to have asked United if he could leave Old Trafford on loan. However, his request was refused, with the club’s leadership choosing to keep him for the time being. The situation may be reconsidered in January, with some reports saying the outcome could be the same.
According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, Napoli want to sign Mainu in the new year, but Amorim is “setting up a wall against his sale”. According to reports, the Italian giants “rate completely” on the midfielder, hoping to sign an early deal.
It is also claimed that former United playmaker Scott McTominay was “involved in recommending” Mynoux as a potential signing at the center of the park.
The newspaper added that Mainu is keen to sign with the reigning champions to boost his chances of making it to England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup, where he hopes to feature in a “main role” role.
However, those in power at United are said to be reluctant to do business, with Amorim particularly opposed to Mainuo leaving. As a result, the contract will not be “easy” for Napoli.
It comes after Amorim gave a scathing response to those calling for Mainu to be given more minutes as the United manager scrutinizes the quality of the club’s academy graduates.
He specifically mentioned Mainu, as well as Harry Amath, Toby Collier and Chido Obi, all of whom have been given a chance to shine under his management.
“He (Collier) was playing (for United’s first team),” Amorim said. “He’s from the academy, he played here, he went to West Bromwich, he hasn’t played.
“He played for Manchester United, so sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or anything like that. It’s the circumstances, what happened. I don’t know what the future holds for[Mainou]. We’ll see after this game[vs Bournemouth].”
“Amas are struggling in the Championship at the moment. Chido (Obi) is not always a starter in the under-21 team. They were all playing when a lot of people were calling for the manager to be sacked.”
