Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo was reportedly close to leaving Old Trafford on loan before a dramatic change in the club’s managerial situation altered his future, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking about internal discussions at United, Romano revealed that Mainoo’s future could have taken a very different path had former Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim not been removed from the equation. Sources close to the situation claimed that advanced talks were already underway for the highly-rated midfielder to join Napoli on a loan deal.
Mainoo, who has since established himself as a key figure in United’s midfield setup, was not guaranteed regular minutes at the time. With uncertainty surrounding the club’s tactical direction and long-term planning, a temporary move to Serie A was seen as an attractive option for both the player and his representatives.
Romano stated that several Manchester United insiders believed Mainoo’s potential departure was one of the hidden factors influencing the club’s decision-making regarding Amorim’s situation. The Portuguese coach had reportedly not viewed Mainoo as a central part of his immediate plans, which raised concerns among board members who were keen to protect one of the club’s brightest academy prospects.