Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo is at the heart of an extraordinary \u00a350million tug of war with Serie A champions Napoli. The Italian titans, who are setting their sights on the Champions League, have a four-year contract ready for the 20 year old midfielder. Mainoo has expressed his desire to join the Serie A side on a permanent basis to the United hierarchy.<\/p>\n
However, United, recalling the remarkable impact made by their former player Scott McTominay, have so far resisted the move. Despite this, Mainoo remains determined to secure his exit before Monday’s transfer deadline, according to The Mirror<\/a>. McTominay, the midfielder who was allowed to depart Old Trafford last summer for Antonio Conte’s Napoli in a \u00a325million deal, has since delivered a series of match-winning performances both domestically and in Europe. This led him to become the first Scot to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or since ex-Rangers striker Ally McCoist in 1987.<\/p>\n In his debut season at Napoli, McTominay also scooped up last season’s MVP award. Under Conte’s guidance, McTominay, who was often criticised and eventually sidelined at Old Trafford, played a pivotal role in Napoli’s title triumph.<\/p>\n The 28-year-old netted 12 times in 34 league matches and scored a decisive goal on the final day of the season to clinch the Scudetto.<\/p>\n Mainoo believes that Conte could similarly influence his own footballing career and, as such, wants to make a permanent move rather than a loan deal as previously thought.<\/p>\n Conte is confident that his player’s nimble footwork, exceptional passing ability, and quickness in confined spaces will benefit Napoli as they strive to defend their title and aim for Champions League glory.<\/p>\n Despite the ongoing contract extension negotiations hitting a roadblock, the England midfielder, who still enjoys a high regard among many United fans, has a contract with the club until 2027.<\/p>\n It’s also been revealed that United might be open to entertaining offers for him, given his regular first-team opportunities have dwindled under Ruben Amorim<\/a>.<\/p>\n Mainoo played the entire match in Wednesday’s EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat at Grimsby.<\/p>\n Prior to this, he was left on the bench for United’s first two Premier League matches, with Amorim asserting that he is vying for a spot with team captain Bruno Fernandes<\/a>.<\/p>\n The past year has been a difficult one for Mainoo, a native of Stockport, following his impressive end to the 2023-24 season which saw him represent England at the European Championships.<\/p>\n His form and confidence took a hit, and he was sidelined due to injury when Erik ten Hag<\/a> was dismissed and replaced by Amorim.<\/p>\n As the squad grappled with the Portuguese head coach’s three-at-the-back system, Mainoo was part of a series of devastating losses.<\/p>\n He suffered another injury setback in February and, upon his return, found his opportunities limited due to Amorim’s focus on the Europa League.<\/p>\n However, McTominay is not the only former United player to have thrived since leaving Old Trafford. Antony has been in sensational form at Betis and Marcus Rashford’s performances at Aston Villa have earned him a dream move to Barcelona.<\/p>\n