The midfielder is not finding space at United and would like to show off to win a place for the next World Cup
For Kevin De Bruyne, Naples is a second youth. For Rasmus Hojlund, Naples is a sense of redemption. For Scott McTominay, Naples is consecration. For Kobbie Mainoo, however, it could become the opportunity he was waiting for. The midfielder, in fact, is yet another player who risks downsizing in Manchester – United side. Net of the team’s performance, which continues to be mediocre (10 points in seven games), there is very little space for Mainoo. In the first two matchdays he did not take the field, in the following five he totaled 113 minutes without ever being a starter in the Premier League. His only appearance as a starter came in the League Cup, where the Red Devils were sensationally eliminated on penalties by Grimsby Town.
NAPLES HYPOTHESIS
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And here Napoli comes into play. Giovanni Manna has been following Mainoo for some time and appreciates its qualities. The summer surveys had been positive, the player would have willingly accepted the loan assignment. Then the club’s plans changed, the funds intended for a midfield reinforcement were channeled to Hojlund to deal with Lukaku’s injury. But Napoli’s desire is to add another player in the department, on loan considering the various investments already made. Mainoo is unhappy with this start to the season and is pushing to be sold in January, even on a temporary basis. The Englishman’s short-term goal, in fact, is to show off to win a place in Tuchel’s squad for the next World Cup. Manchester is not the right showcase, but Naples can become one. The impression is that the negotiation can be successful if United accept that they have no guarantees of redemption, also because in January the unknowns are greater and De Laurentiis has no intention of exaggerating.