Manchester United’s rising star aims for a winter move to Napoli! Believes Amrabat is unfair, efforts seem futile

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, Manchester United’s youth prospect Kobe Meno may seek a transfer to Serie A side Napoli during the January winter transfer window. British media reported that at the end of the summer window, the 20-year-old English talent wanted to join Napoli on loan, but Manchester United rejected the request.

However, since staying at the club he remains overlooked by Ruben Amrabat, Meno plans to try leaving again early next year to join Conte’s team, which remains his top choice. Several former Red Devils, including Lukaku, McTominay, and this season’s Hojlund, have regained form at Napoli. Other possible options for Meno include Spanish giants Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid.

Under Ten Hag’s management, Meno was an undisputed starter and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final, a 2-1 victory over Manchester City. He was then called up to England’s squad for the European Championship, starting in the final, showing great promise. Unfortunately, he fell into a slump and lost his starting spot after Amrabat took over as coach.

Amrabat clearly stated that he believes Meno cannot handle additional defensive duties and is better suited as an attacking midfielder. However, with Manchester United spending over £200 million in the summer window on Cunha, Mbemou, and Sesko, Meno is left competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for a spot, mostly as a substitute. Recently, he has been on the bench for six consecutive matches.

Meno is facing a critical period in his Manchester United career; the next few months could determine whether he stays or leaves. If he cannot change his situation, he might seek a move in the winter window. With the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico approaching, Meno needs to fight hard for more playing time to earn a call-up from Tuchel.

Recent reports from British media reveal that Manchester United staff are impressed by Meno’s positive attitude; he trains diligently and has hired a personal coach for extra sessions. Yet, Amrabat remains unmoved and continues to use him as a substitute. Many, including Meno himself, feel that the lack of opportunities under Amrabat is unfair treatment.

With Cunha and Mason Mount injured, Meno had no chance to start; even with Casemiro suspended due to a red card, he was still not selected. It’s hard to imagine under what circumstances Amrabat would use Meno, especially since the midfield trio with Bruno Fernandes in a 3-4-3 formation is considered unviable in the Premier League.

Saturday’s match against newly promoted Premier League side Sunderland offers Meno another chance to start his first league game of the season, especially since the opponent is a newcomer and the game is at Old Trafford. However, with Casemiro back from suspension, Cunha and Mount recovered, and Sunderland in good form, Meno might face another disappointing bench role.

In this match, Manchester United’s injured players Lisandro Martinez and Mazraoui remain absent, but Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia have returned to first-team training. Amad missed the previous game due to a family bereavement, while Malacia, one of the “summer five,” has been recalled to the first team after weeks of reserve training.

According to reports from “Jingji Net,” to boost revenue, Manchester United has begun negotiations to arrange a mid-season friendly in Saudi Arabia. With two midweek European fixtures in November, United might schedule a friendly, with another planned for December. It is said that Al Nassr, where Ronaldo plays, could be one of the opponents. Manchester United must comply with Premier League rules, which prohibit clubs from arranging friendlies during the season unless league dates are confirmed and it does not negatively impact the league schedule.