MANCHESTER UNITED WONDERKID NEARS SWIFT JANUARY TRANSFER RESOLUTION
Napoli, under Antonio Conte, is in talks for a loan move for Man Utd's Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old seeks regular playing time, with a loan seen as beneficial for all parties, echoing Scott McTominay's successful path.
Creator: Alex Livesey | Credit: Getty Images
The Mirror deserves praise for revealing the most recent development regarding Kobbie Mainoo's future. According to Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports, negotiations with the Manchester United midfielder's representation are already in progress, indicating that Napoli is making every effort to wrap up talks as soon as possible. Mainoo, who is only 20 years old, is prepared to look for regular first-team play elsewhere, something he has not been given this season.
Nowadays, switching loans is thought to be the most practical course of action. It would benefit all sides, providing Mainoo with the stage he desires and affording United the security of keeping a quality academy product. Antonio Conte wants the transaction "finished up swiftly," according to the report, which serves as a reminder of how highly regarded the young player is outside of Old Trafford.
Possibility of International Opportunity
Mainoo would join Scott McTominay, a former United midfielder who has emerged as "a solid supporters' favourite" since making a similar move, if he were to join Napoli. Despite being written off at Manchester, McTominay contributed to the Serie A championship last season. It is a strong plan that Mainoo should adhere to.
Under Ruben Amorim, his circumstances have gotten more and more intolerable. This season, he has only played 113 Premier League minutes, made no starts, and shown little trust. In the summer, Mainoo made it obvious what he wanted to do, but United stopped him.
In public, Amorim stated, "I want Kobbie to stay." We need Kobbie, and he must battle for his position. Therefore, that will not alter.
A desire to grow
It looks like that message has changed. When potential remains untapped, circumstances change. A year in Italy could change Mainoo's course in ways that sitting on the periphery at Carrington will never be able to.
He has been patient. He has shown respect. It is time to make a decision.
A Future Star in Waiting
Napoli is a symbol of both danger and profit. Young English players who are willing to push themselves have traditionally found success in Serie A. Perhaps United should allow Mainoo to prove himself somewhere if Conte thinks he is ready.
Later on, Amorim thought, "I am not sure how the rest will end." Everyone has an equal chance to participate, but I can appreciate how frustrated the players who are not participating right now are. You must battle throughout the week.
Mainoo has engaged in combat. He wants minutes now.
Our Opinion: Analysis of StadiumNest
This whole issue reminds me of my time as a United supporter. After McTominay was sold, we saw him abruptly become a cult hero in Naples. Mainoo might now take the same route and turn into yet another "what if" scenario in United's poor handling of young players. It makes sense to let him go on loan, but only if there is a solid strategy for when he returns.
It is feared that he will flourish under Conte, pick up the tactical aspects of midfield play in Italy, gain confidence, and then decline to return to the bench. Before he leaves, United needs a long-term contract extension or a guarantee of minutes included in his loan agreement if they genuinely believe he will be a part of the team's future.
Why players must request to leave to play football is the most important question. Show it on the field, not simply at news conferences, if Amorim thinks highly of him. Supporters would rather watch Mainoo grow than watch veterans coast.
Fair play to Napoli if they make him into another success story. But supporters will not forgive United if they lose another academy star.
GOAL OF MONTH SHORTLIST INCLUDES WOLTEMADE’S BRILLIANT STRIKE
Newcastle's German star Leon Woltemade is nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month for his superb flick against Brighton. Vote now for the summer signing's improvised Amex finish.
Woltemade receives Goal of the Month nomination - Credit: Getty Images
Earlier this month, the Magpies fell 2-1 against Brighton, but the German international's incredible flick tied the score.
However, the summer acquisition, who has scored six goals for United since joining from Stuttgart in the summer, grabbed attention at the Amex Stadium with a superb improvised finish from Lewis Miley's low cross.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert of Bournemouth, Zian Flemming and Loum Tchaouna of Burnley, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, Aston Villa's Emi Buendia, and Mo Salah of Liverpool are also on the shortlist.
Supporters of the Magpies may cast their votes for Woltemade by visiting here, and voting will begin at 1 pm GMT on Thursday, October 30. The winner will be revealed on Friday, November 7th at 1 pm GMT.
HUGE LISANDRO MARTINEZ UPDATE EMERGES AS UNITED PREPARE FOR FOREST ENCOUNTER
Manchester United receive a major boost as Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training. The Argentine defender has been out since February with a knee injury and is now closing in on a first-team return.
Martinez injury boost lifts United spirits ahead of Nottingham Forest trip - COURTESY/PHOTO
Lisandro Martinez returns to first-team training, giving Manchester United a significant conditioning boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lisandro Martinez has returned to first-team training for Manchester United, giving them a significant fitness boost ahead of their Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Due to a serious knee injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, the Argentina international has not played for the 20-time English champions since early February.
However, Martinez has been speeding up his recuperation in recent weeks, and on Wednesday, the former Ajax centre-back was allowed to rejoin his teammates for training.
It is extremely doubtful that Martinez will play for Man United when they travel to Forest on Saturday, but the 27-year-old might return to the team for the match against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United resumes training with the first team.
According to Man United head coach Ruben Amorim, "He’s feeling fine," last week. "I do not want to mention a single day or week because the knee is doing so wonderfully.
"I am not sure, but the team's training is about to begin. After that, Licha's rhythm will determine whether he places or not, but he is closer to starting training again.
The Red Devils will not be taking any chances with the Argentine because of the severity of the injury, and his return may be postponed until after the international break in November.
Luke Shaw's place in the starting lineup is now seriously threatened; therefore, Martinez's return is a significant boost for the 20-time English champions. Martinez is an expert in the left-sided role in the back three.
After joining Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer of 2022, the South American has made 91 appearances for the Red Devils, tallying three goals and three assists.