Scott McTominay 'pleads for Man Utd transfer agreement' as star left unhappy

Scott McTominay has reportedly pleaded with Napoli boss Antonio Conte to secure the loan signing of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during the January transfer window, with the Scotland international championing his former Old Trafford colleague.

Mainoo has seen his playing time drastically reduced at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. Despite being a first-team regular last season, the 20-year-old has featured in only eight matches so far this campaign. Amorim has favoured Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the engine room for Premier League fixtures, with Mainoo relegated to substitute appearances in seven of the opening 10 matches.

The youngster remained on the bench throughout the 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest and was omitted from the matchday squad altogether against Tottenham due to a minor injury.

Given United's early Carabao Cup elimination and absence from European competition, Mainoo faces the prospect of severely restricted game time before the January window opens, potentially jeopardising his World Cup ambitions.

A loan exit has been mooted ahead of the winter market reopening, with Napoli emerging as the frontrunners. Earlier reports suggested the Italian title holders would be prepared to cover his entire wages to secure his services in Naples.

According to The Sun, McTominay is now actively working to reunite with Mainoo in Serie A. The 28-year-old departed United in 2024 and enjoyed a stellar debut season, netting 12 goals whilst claiming the Scudetto.

McTominay is said to have approached Conte directly, recommending the club pursue a deal for Mainoo. "Scott has been to see Conte and told him to get Kobbie," the source said.

"He's told him all about his strengths and what an outstanding player he is. He knows all about him from his time at United and thinks he would be a great addition to the squad, whether it's on loan or a permanent deal.

"Kobbie has been brought up the right way at United having been in the academy since he was a little boy. He would fit straight in and give Napoli a boost."

During a recent interview, Amorim acknowledged there simply isn't space for Mainoo in his current squad. "Every minute we are using to prepare the future with a lot of games and less training," Amorim told beIN Sports.

"We are giving a lot of information, we are working on our fitness because we need to keep momentum during the week with good training, really intense."