The reason Man United are blocking Kobbie Mainoo’s exit proves depth of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s problems
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Credit: IMAGO
Tom Griffin
Fri 29 August 2025 11:07, UK
Manchester United are refusing to sell Kobbie Mainoo despite failing to offer him regular football.
Mainoo has expressed an interest in leaving Manchester United following concerns over his lack of playing time.
The 20-year-old started during Manchester United’s embarrassing defeat to Grimsby Town on Wednesday, but is well down the pecking order in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim has told Mainoo he has to fight for his place, but there seems to be a reluctance on the England international’s part.
And now the 20-time champions are at loggerheads with the midfielder as he looks to leave Old Trafford before Monday’s Deadline Day.
Credit: IMAGO
Although Mainoo has been linked with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in recent times, it is Serie A giants Napoli who are emerging as the saga’s frontrunners.
Open to the switch, Mainoo, offered a four-year deal, would welcome the chance of playing in Naples, but there are no guarantees he will get his wish.
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According to the Mirror, Manchester United‘s chiefs are refusing to sanction a permanent sale, out of fear Mainoo could follow in the footsteps of Scott McTominay.
McTominay joined Napoli last summer and has since gone on to reinvent himself, becoming one of Europe’s most in-form midfielders, and United don’t want to be left red-faced again.
Having sold McTominay against many fans’ wishes, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was always taking a gamble.
Unfortunately for the minority owner, his gamble hasn’t paid off.
The Red Devils’ sporting department looks foolish after the Scotland international directly contributed to 20 goals in just 37 games in his opening season.
Whether or not Mainoo would face the same rise in Italy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ratcliffe must avoid a repeat scenario, especially when he’s backing Amorim, whose decisions are driving the midfielder’s desire to leave.
Huge question marks continue to linger over United’s recruitment policy.