Kobbie Mainoo was heavily linked with a January move to Napoli and several Premier League clubs before Michael Carrick’s arrival changed his situation at Manchester United.

Manchester United’s reported consideration of loaning out Kobbie Mainoo for the rest of the season is claimed to have left several Premier League clubs, and Napoli, in disbelief. Mainoo endured a difficult first few months of the season under former head coach Ruben Amorim and was not trusted with a single Premier League start before the Portuguese’s departure in December.

At one stage, Mainoo looked in danger of heading out on loan, before interim head coach Michael Carrick took over. Napoli were keen to secure the 21‑year‑old on a temporary deal for the remainder of the season, while the midfielder also attracted interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton.

Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund both moved to Napoli – McTominay permanently and Hojlund on loan – and the pair have been rejuvenated since leaving Old Trafford. Napoli boss Antonio Conte was eager to bring in another United player following their success.

According to The Telegraph, there was “genuine disbelief” in Naples that United were even contemplating letting Mainoo go. Similar feelings were reportedly shared by “many Premier League clubs” who were interested in taking the youngster on loan.

During Amorim’s time in charge, the 41‑year‑old often spoke about wanting players to “stay and fight” rather than walk away at the first sign of adversity – criticising what he saw as an “entitlement” culture among some academy players.

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He had also highlighted Casemiro as an example of a player who shifted his mindset and fought his way back into the team, saying: “When I see Casemiro training, if everyone trains like him, if everyone is so focused on the detail, even in training, in set-pieces training, even when they are playing ten versus goalkeeper, and the movements that he made, imagining the game, we will be a top team.

“If everyone works like Casemiro, and when I say work it’s not just running, it’s that focus. You can understand why that guy won five Champions Leagues, because if you pay attention to everything that he does with contract, with no contract, he’s top player.”

This was a message widely interpreted as another pointed reference to Mainoo.

The Mirror also reported that, as a result of Carrick’s arrival, Mainoo was told he would be part of the plans for the remainder of the season.

That came with a clear instruction to focus on re‑establishing himself at his boyhood club, while proving Amorim had been wrong to overlook him.

Under Carrick, Mainoo has started against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham.

He is also in contention to start their match at relegation-threatened West Ham on Tuesday evening (8pm).