CONTE TARGETS ANOTHER MANCHESTER UNITED STAR FOR NAPOLI JANUARY
Man Utd's Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with his lack of playing time under Ruben Amorim. Napoli boss Antonio Conte wants to sign the English midfielder in January as a replacement for Frank Anguissa.
Kobbie Mainoo is still not happy at Manchester United after a difficult 2025–2026 season debut. During the tenure of former manager Erik ten Hag, the English midfielder gained popularity among supporters after rising through the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams.
Mainoo became one of the world's best young players under the Dutchman, and he also made his England debut.
In 2024, he scored and initiated the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. The 20-year-old was also included in the starting lineup for the Three Lions' defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
After Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford last November, Mainoo's status at the club took an unexpected turn. Mainoo was supposed to be the mainstay of United's squad makeover.
Having trouble finding opportunities this season
After a summer of offensive reorganisations, Mainoo, who was once a first-team regular under the Portuguese head coach, has fallen out of favour. Bruno Fernandes has been used in a more significant role this season due to the entrance of Matheus Cunha, which has reduced the young Englishman's playing time.
Mainoo played 37 games for the senior team last season, recording over 2000 minutes of action while scoring two goals and setting up another.
The young player has only played 203 minutes of first-team football in six games this season. The player has made five appearances off the bench in the Premier League, but his one start came in the heartbreaking EFL Cup loss to Grimsby.
Mainoo's status is unlikely to improve anytime soon, as Bruno Fernandes, the captain of United, is virtually invincible in Amorim's starting lineup.
According to recent reports, the player wants to depart in January to increase his prospects of playing for England at the FIFA World Cup the following year. Napoli now seems prepared to give him a lifeline.
Conte is keen to acquire Mainoo.
Antonio Conte has requested that Napoli recruit Mainoo in January to take Frank Anguissa's place, according to a Calciomercato report. The Italian boss wants the Englishman to replace the Cameroonian, who is expected to play for his country in the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January.
Conte thinks the child will blend in fairly nicely with his method. Scott McTominay, a former United midfielder, has already proven successful for Napoli. Rasmus Hojlund has also jumped right in after joining the Serie A team on loan this summer.
With Mainoo, the Partenopei now intend to pull the same prank. The young player may be amenable to a move himself after learning of his former teammates' improved circumstances in Italy.
The Red Devils might not be eager to let him go in the middle of the season, though, because it will be difficult and expensive to find a competent successor in January. In the meantime, his possible departure might also leave the team severely shorthanded in terms of midfield injuries.
The Premier League heavyweights would only part with their valuable asset if they received an enormous offer. The Serie A powerhouses might not have the funds to negotiate another huge deal for Mainoo because they already have a £38 million commitment to sign Hojlund next summer.
WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA
Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.
Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.
He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.
Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.
The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.
England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.
Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.
He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.
Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.
If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.
COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS
Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.
Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.
The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.
It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.
Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.
Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.
“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”