'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo in January. They have joined Napoli in the race, as the midfielder looks for regular playing time.
Mainoo came through Manchester United's ranks and impressed early in his senior career. However, he has struggled to get regular playing time under Ruben Amorim this season. He has made just nine appearances across competitions this season, starting just once in the EFL Cup.
Napoli have been heavily linked with a potential move for Mainoo in January. They signed Scott McTominay from United in 2024, and he helped them win the Serie A title last season. They have also signed Rasmus Hojlund on loan this summer. Hence, they are looking to extend that relationship further.
Trending
However, as per Tutto Juve, Juventus have now joined the race to sign the 20-year-old midfielder. They believe he could be Pogba 2.0 due to his ability on the ball and a potential transfer between the two clubs. Pogba joined Juve from Manchester United in 2012, returned to Old Trafford in 2016, and left in 2022 before re-joining Juventus.
Mainoo, meanwhile, has made 81 senior appearances for the Red Devils, recording seven goals and three assists. He is looking for regular playing time to potentially make his way into England's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Manchester United legend advises Kobbie Mainoo to learn from his veteran teammate
Rio Ferdinand believes Kobbie Mainoo needs to learn from Casemiro how to turn his career around at Manchester United. He highlighted how the veteran faced plenty of criticism last season but has turned it around and has been a key player this season.
“Watch and learn. There was a player being told he’s not good enough for Manchester United, exactly what Mainoo’s been through. I think character-wise, personality-wise, there’s a lot to learn from Casemiro. Yes there’s football-wise too but they are very different players," Ferdinand said.
“You’ve got Casemiro, a man in form and Bruno the most exciting player we’ve got, it’s going to be hard for Kobbie to get in here right now," he added.
United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid in 2022 for a reported fee of £70 million. He has made 136 appearances for them, recording 20 goals and 13 assists.
Last season, the 33-year-old faced a lot of criticism for his performances as United finished 15th in the Premier League. He's been a key player for Ruben Amorim this season, though, starting in 10 of his 11 appearances across competitions.
