Alejandro Garnacho's claim about Kobbie Mainoo speaks volumes as Man Utd exit pushed

Kobbie Mainoo could be on the verge of a Manchester United exit, and the Red Devils could be losing a player Alejandro Garnacho once hailed as the "the best player in the squad." While Garnacho's future also looks set to lie elsewhere, with a move to Chelsea pending, Mainoo could be in line to join Serie A champions Napolibefore Monday's transfer deadline with the midfielder pushing for a move.

Mainoo, 20, was once considered as a key component of United's future due to his performances over the last two seasons. The youngster racked up an impressive collection of wonder goals and earned his England debut just over a year ago.

He also claimed the man of the match performance in United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2024 after scoring the winner. It was in the aftermath of the game against City where Garnacho showered his team-mate with the highest praise.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim knows what Man Utd chiefs think of him as pressure grows ahead of talks

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney makes worrying two-word Man Utd claim after Ruben Amorim comments

Speaking to the BBC, alongside Mainoo, Garnacho reflected on the midfielder's instrumental contribution to the victory.

"Just incredible," Garnacho said. "I always say, for me, he's the best player in the squad and he's the youngest. We are also very good friends so I am very happy for him" Upon handing the man of the match trophy to Mainoo, Garnacho said: "My man, I love you."

With a squad littered with talent, it spoke volumes to Mainoo's ability, that at just 20, he was given such an accolade. The England midfielder’s club contract runs until 2027 at United but negotiations over an extension have stalled.

The Italian champions reportedly have a four-year contract waiting for Mainoo, with the player having told United bosses he wants to go to Serie A, but on a permanent deal.

United, however, are rightfully mindful ofthe stunning impactmade by another of their cast-offs at Napoli, Scott McTominay, and have so far blocked Mainoo's move. Although they are said to value him at £50million and will listen to offers.

Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo has started just 16 out of 44 games, and he was left on the bench for the second successive Premier League match this season asUnited drew 1-1 with Fulham on Sunday. However, Mainoo did play the full 90 minutes in Wednesday's EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat at Grimsby.

A social media video of Mainoo at the full-time whistle at Fulham also went viral, as it showed the youngster looking despondent, with rumours of his potential departure continuing to grow ahead of Monday's deadline.

Meanwhile, United have agreed a £40m deal with Chelsea for Garnacho. It comes after he had fallen out of favour with Amorim in recent months.

The Red Devils have secured a 10 per cent sell-on fee after United dug their heels in and stood firm on their valuation of Garnacho, having rejected Chelsea's initial offer of £25m. Garnacho was left out of United's starting line-up for their 1-0 Europa League final defeat to Tottenham and publicly criticised Amorim in the immediate aftermath of the loss in Bilbao.

Should Mainoo make a move to Napoli he will be hoping to emulate the success of McTominay. The Scotsman was allowed to leave Old Trafford last summer for Antonio Conte's side in a £25m switch.

He has since left produced a string of man of the match performances domestically, and in Europe, to become the first Scot to be shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or since former Rangers striker Ally McCoist in 1987.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.