First and foremost, it should be clarified that Kobbie Mainoo is indeed injured, but it is not a serious issue and will not result in a long-term layoff. This has also been confirmed by Napoli, the club chasing his signature.
Shortly after Mainoo’s injury, Napoli immediately called to inquire about his condition and received feedback that the injury was not severe, with Mainoo expected to return to action within a few days.
This is clearly good news for the player himself, for Manchester United, and also for Napoli. However, Napoli is still waiting for Manchester United’s decision, because the real problem is not Mainoo’s injury, but Bruno Fernandes’ fitness issue.
With Fernandes sidelined and the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Manchester United is currently short-handed. Therefore, the club is unwilling to let Mainoo leave on January 1. On the other hand, Napoli hopes to complete the transfer as soon as possible, preferably immediately after the winter transfer window opens.
Manchester United was already reluctant to approve the move due to the Africa Cup, and now Fernandes’ injury has further delayed the potential transfer timeline.
So the situation regarding Mainoo hinges entirely on Manchester United’s decision. The player himself is already ready to join Napoli and is extremely eager to make the switch. This has been emphasized multiple times. Although other clubs—both in England and overseas—have contacted him, Mainoo would prefer to join Napoli if he were to leave Manchester United.
Everything now depends on Manchester United’s call, and patience is required for this transfer deal. The same applies to the situation involving Joshua Zirkzee and Roma. Considering the Africa Cup and injury issues, Manchester United does not want to thin out its squad excessively.
