Napoli believe their chances of signing Kobbie Mainoo this month have deteriorated following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.
The midfielder looked set to leave Old Trafford under the Portuguese boss, with the Serie A side pursuing a loan deal with a potential permanent switch.
Mainoo, 20, has yet to start a Premier League match this season and has missed the last five matches with injury.
It was reported that he has now returned to Manchester United training, which coincidentally coincides with Darren Fletcher taking over on an interim basis.
Fletcher takes charge of his first game on Wednesday, and our tipster is backing Manchester United to pick up three points against Burnley in his Premier League predictions.
Kobbie Mainoo Move To Napoli In Doubt
The timing of Mainoo’s return to training will certainly raise question marks surrounding his absence under Amorim.
His final game under the former boss came in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth when his half-brother wore a ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’ t-shirt at the game.
On Tuesday, Mainoo ‘liked’ a social media post which references Amorim smiling and joking while leaving the training ground for the last time following a £12million payout.
Manchester United provided an update on Mainoo’s fitness on their website which read ‘The 20-year-old took part in the session ran by Darren Fletcher before our visit to Turf Moor, and the Scot said he would be assessed before a decision was made on his inclusion in East Lancashire.’
When Fletcher was asked about his availability, he added: “Kobbie Mainoo trained today, but we’ll see how he comes through tomorrow to see if he’s going to be in the squad.”
A fresh opportunity at his boyhood club may just be the tonic that the midfielder needs to get his club career back on track.
Reports in Italy claim Amorim’s dismissal have put the player back in the plans at Manchester United, but they haven’t completely ruled out the opportunity of his arrival.
Napoli have accepted that any decision is likely to be made when United’s interim manager is appointed, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the favourite to take the vacant position.
Solskjaer could be joined by Michael Carrick, who is also in the running to become the next West Brom manager.
Joshua Zirkzee Future Also In Question
It’s a similar story for Joshua Zirkzee, who looked set to join Roma on loan until the end of the season.
The Italian side wanted the striker to help bolster their goal-shy frontline ahead of a pursuit towards the Serie A title.
Contact with Manchester United chiefs intensified last month, and they have agreed in principle on a loan deal with a €40m obligation to buy if the club qualify for the Champions League.
That could also collapse depending on how the new Manchester United boss wants his side to shape up in the second half of the campaign.
Zirkzee had already agreed personal terms with Roma and was ready to make the switch.
