How Napoli’s pursuit of Mainoo changes after Amorim’s Man United sacking

Manchester United have taken the decision to relieve head coach Ruben Amorim from his duties as head coach, which could complicate proceedings for Napoli and their pursuit of England international midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. 

Napoli have been linked with a potential move for Mainoo for much of the 2025-26 season.

The Partenopei are in a slight shortage in central midfield as things stand, with Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour all out injured. That has meant that Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka have barely been afforded any rest at all over the last few weeks. 

There have been suggestions that Mainoo could be available in January given his lack of opportunities under Amorim in 2025-26. The 20-year-old, who started for England in the EURO 2024 final, has not started a single match in the Premier League so far this term. 

However, this situation could now change following the confirmation that Amorim has been dismissed from his position as Manchester United head coach. 

As Fabrizio Romano puts it, Mainoo’s problem has never been with Manchester United, but with the former coach, and Monday’s developments could now have a significant impact on Napoli’s pursuit. 

Napoli have reportedly been in talks with Mainoo’s representatives for some time, however, Manchester United have not yet fully opened up to the youngster’s departure, partly due to the previous uncertainty surrounding Amorim’s future. 

Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, linked with a January move to Roma, are now in similar situations. It remains to be seen whether they will be allowed to leave Old Trafford this month, and a decision is unlikely to be made before the appointment of a new, or interim head coach.