Paul Ince Urges Kobbie Mainoo to Leave Man Utd in January Amid Limited Playing Time

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Ince has advised Kobbie Mainoo to seek a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window, warning that the 20-year-old could jeopardise his chances of being selected for England’s 2026 World Cup squad if his current situation does not improve. Mainoo has experienced a significant reduction in minutes under new manager Ruben Amorim, leading to growing uncertainty about his short-term future.

Mainoo’s Reduced Role Under Ruben Amorim

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Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season and has played only 183 minutes across 15 games. The midfielder was a key performer for both club and country during the 2024 campaign, but has since struggled to secure a position in Amorim’s preferred lineup.

Reports suggest Mainoo is frustrated by his limited opportunities, while Amorim has continued to select Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield. The United manager has publicly stated that Mainoo “deserves to be playing”, but has also indicated that improvements are required in the player’s off-the-ball contributions.

The situation intensified when Mainoo remained an unused substitute in the 1–1 draw with West Ham, prompting criticism from former United players. Paul Scholes questioned Amorim’s handling of the midfielder, and sections of the fanbase have raised concerns about his development.

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Ince: January Move Could Protect England Chances

Speaking to Covers.com, Ince emphasised that Mainoo must consider regular playing time a priority as he aims to secure a place in England manager Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

“If I were in Mainoo’s position, I’d be looking for a change of club in January,” Ince said. “The World Cup would be my priority, and leaving Manchester United — permanently or on loan — appears to be the best option.”

Ince also noted that this season presented an opportunity for Mainoo to challenge Casemiro for a starting role, considering the Brazilian midfielder’s age and form last year. However, Mainoo has not been able to establish himself under the new coaching staff.

Napoli Lead Growing Interest in Mainoo

Mainoo has attracted enquiries from multiple European clubs, with Napoli among the most active in exploring a potential deal. The Serie A champions are currently managing several midfield injuries and are expected to pursue reinforcements in January.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna addressed the speculation, telling Sky Sport Italia:
“He is a player who has been linked to Napoli since August, also for his age and potential. We have important absences, but we need to make the right evaluations before deciding what to do.”

Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano also reported that Napoli and several other clubs are monitoring Mainoo closely, but clarified that Manchester United have not yet approved any move.

“At the moment there is still no green light from United,” Romano said. “More than ten clubs are interested, but everything depends on United, Ruben Amorim, and the timing.”

Would Napoli Be a Suitable Move?

A loan move to Napoli could offer Mainoo the opportunity for consistent playing time while working under manager Antonio Conte. Several former United players have benefitted from moves to Serie A in recent years, including Romelu Lukaku, Chris Smalling, and Scott McTominay.

Mainoo’s next steps will largely depend on Manchester United’s evaluation of their midfield depth, upcoming fixtures, and the impact of international departures during the Africa Cup of Nations period.