Kobbie Mainoo targeted by new Serie A side

Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United has shifted dramatically under Ruben Amorim, with the midfielder sliding down the pecking order.

Once seen as a future heart of the Old Trafford engine room, the 20-year-old has found himself watching on more often than influencing games, as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes have established themselves in Amorim’s preferred system.

For a player who broke through under Erik ten Hag, earning a Golden Boy nomination, it has been a frustrating spell.

That frustration has been building since the summer, when Mainoo is understood to have requested a loan move in search of regular minutes.

United turned that approach down, convinced that they would need his versatility across a long campaign and keen to keep one of their most highly rated academy products close.

However, with his game time continuing to shrink, the player’s desire to explore a temporary move this winter has only grown stronger, especially to reclaim his spot in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Even so, Manchester United are not expected to roll over when interest arrives in January, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations looming.

The Red Devils are already braced to lose several key players to international duty, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui all expecting call-ups, raising serious concerns around squad depth through a congested period.

As such, the club’s current stance is to reject winter offers for Mainoo unless an extraordinary proposal lands that still allows Amorim to protect the balance of his midfield group.

Now, Corriere Dello Sport have reported that Lazio are eyeing Mainoo as a possible solution, exploring a loan deal for the winter window.

The Rome club are said to view the former England international as a player whose value, estimated at over £34 million (€40 million), makes a straight purchase unrealistic at this stage.

As such, any move would likely come in the form of a loan, with no buy clause or fee beyond his wages and potential bonuses.

Lazio’s recruitment department are not short of alternatives, however, with a lengthy midfield shortlist already drawn up.

Names such as Giovanni Fabbian, Arthur Atta, Konstantinos Karetsas, Guus Til, Sem Steijn, Jens Hjertø-Dahl and Hugo Sotelo have all been mentioned as possible targets.

This means that while Mainoo is admired, he is one of several options being studied, rather than the sole focus of their winter plans.

Napoli are also tracking the United midfielder, adding another Serie A lifeline to his uncertain future.

The Italian champions have already been urged to move for him by former Red Devils midfielder Scott McTominay, who is trying to convince the club’s hierarchy that Mainoo would be an ideal fit.

Ultimately, with multiple Italian sides circling and the player open to a temporary switch, the main question is whether Manchester United’s fear of being left short during AFCON will outweigh their midfielder’s desire for regular football.