‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ message boosts Napoli hopes with Manchester United

Napoli transfer target Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly growing frustrated with Manchester United’s refusal to sell or loan him, so his half-brother sent a very strong message in shirt form.

The Partenopei have made no secret of their interest in Mainoo to fill the gaps in midfield, especially after an injury crisis that struck Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka, Billy Gilmour and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Manchester United refusing to release Mainoo

They had already made an approach last summer and are going to try again in January, but Sky Sports UK reiterated that Manchester United have no intention of sending him out on loan.

The club is also setting a very high price-tag, even for other Premier League clubs, so would be entirely out of range for a Serie A side.

Napoli may well have an ally in Mainoo himself, as his half-brother Jordan wore a shirt that read ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ during a game.

BREAKING: @JacobsBen on the t-shirt Kobbie Mainoo’s brother wore on Monday:

“My understanding is Kobbie Mainoo was speaking through his brother, he knew about the t-shirt and he endorsed the message.” #MUFC [@UnitedStandMUFC] pic.twitter.com/hHRkR4Yd5y

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) December 18, 2025

According to reporter Ben Jacobs on The United Stand podcast, the player “was speaking through his brother, he knew about the shirt and endorsed the message.”

The 20-year-old has made only 12 competitive appearances this season for Manchester United, for a grand total of 302 minutes of football.

Manchester United will only consider selling Kobbie Mainoo in January if they receive an exceptional offer, they don't want to sell him and don't want to send him on loan pic.twitter.com/TduOSqRQpx

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 18, 2025