Man United simply must avoid Kobbie Mainoo disaster amid growing transfer speculation surrounding academy product

Napoli, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all reportedly keeping a close eye on Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window.

The England international asked to leave Man United on loan before the end of the summer market, but his request was rejected by the Red Devils, with head coach Ruben Amorim determined to keep him.

Mainoo has had a frustrating start to the 2025-26 campaign, with his only start coming against Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup, and he was an unused substitute in Man United's first two league games of the season.

The 20-year-old has featured off the bench in Man United's last four league fixtures against Burnley, Manchester City, Chelsea and Brentford, but he is yet to be given the nod from the first whistle.

Man United's reduced fixture list due to their absence from Europe and early exit from the EFL Cup has put Amorim in a position where he could have a number of players unhappy with their time on the field.

Napoli, Real Madrid, Atletico all keen on 'frustrated' Mainoo

Mainoo is said to be concerned about his lack of football in a World Cup year, and as it stands, he is unlikely to be in the England squad for next summer's tournament.

However, according to the Daily Mail, an Old Trafford exit could be on the cards during the January transfer window, especially if Amorim remains in charge at Old Trafford.

The report claims that Napoli showed an interest in loaning Mainoo towards the end of the summer market, but Man United made it clear that he would not be allowed to depart.

Napoli are still said to be interested in Mainoo, while it is understood that Real Madrid and Atletico would be open to taking the Englishman on loan for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.

Amorim must start Mainoo against Sunderland

Man United have had severe problems in the middle of their midfield this season, and that was again the case against Brentford last time out, with Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes struggling.

Casemiro will be back from suspension against Sunderland on Saturday, but Amorim must make the decision to start with Mainoo, who has been bright off the bench in the Premier League of late.

Amorim should move Fernandes into a number 10 spot and bring in Mainoo alongside Casemiro, but in all likelihood, the Man United academy product will again start on the bench this weekend, which will only strengthen his desire to seek an exit during the winter market.

Mainoo has a deal at Old Trafford until June 2027, but Man United must resume contract talks as soon as possible, as an exit for the midfielder would be a disaster for the club.