Napoli Weigh Move for Man United Midfielder as Conte Faces Midfield Shortage

With Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations in December and Stanislav Lobotka continuing his recovery from injury, Napoli’s midfield is heading towards a period of uncertainty. According to Gazzetta dello Sport , Antonio Conte is already assessing reinforcements, and one name stands out once again: Manchester United’s rising star Kobbie Mainoo .

Napoli’s admiration for Mainoo is not new. As Gazzetta dello Sport reports, “Napoli attempted it at the end of August, in the midst of the Hojlund deal. And they’ll try again.” That persistence highlights the high regard in which Conte holds the 20-year-old. Mainoo’s composure on the ball, tactical maturity, and ability to dictate tempo have earned him widespread acclaim in England and beyond.

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Mainoo’s emergence has been one of Manchester United’s few positives in a turbulent few seasons. His positional awareness, discipline, and quick transitions mark him out as a natural modern midfielder. Conte, a master at maximising central talent, would see in Mainoo a player capable of anchoring and progressing play with equal authority.

Conte’s Napoli are being tested by injuries and international duties. As Gazzetta dello Sport noted, “Anguissa will be out in December for the Africa Cup of Nations… between injuries and internationals, Napoli will soon find themselves dealing with a new midfield emergency.” With that in mind, Conte could revisit the double-playmaker system that previously brought balance, pairing Billy Gilmour with Lobotka when fit.

However, with Lobotka not at full strength and Anguissa’s absence looming, a fresh spark is essential. Mainoo fits the mould perfectly, a player capable of operating both deep and advanced, bridging phases of play while maintaining Napoli’s tactical shape.

Napoli’s shortlist reportedly includes Lorenzo Pellegrini of Roma and Philip Billing as potential stopgaps. But the more ambitious pursuit remains Mainoo. As Gazzetta dello Sport states, “Unless they decide to invest further and swoop for Kobbie Mainoo , a 20-year-old United talent.” Conte’s history of developing midfielders with intelligence and grit makes this a particularly appealing move.

For Manchester United , such attention underlines Mainoo’s rise from youth prospect to first-team linchpin. Napoli’s interest is a testament to his growing reputation across Europe, but United’s response must be firm. Mainoo is no longer a prospect for the future, he is the present heartbeat of their rebuild.

If you’re a Manchester United fan reading that Napoli are circling Kobbie Mainoo , your blood will be boiling. This is the player supporters have waited years for, a homegrown midfielder who finally understands the rhythm and responsibility of playing for United. The thought of him swapping Old Trafford for Naples feels unthinkable.

Selling him would be another catastrophic error from a club that has too often prioritised short-term thinking over long-term identity.

Conte might transform him into a Serie A star, but United must resist at all costs. This is the kind of player you build dynasties around, not cash in on. Let Napoli look elsewhere. Mainoo belongs at Manchester United , and if the board even considers otherwise, fans will make their fury heard loud and clear.