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Kobbie Mainoo remains intent on joining Napoli during the January transfer window despite interest from 12 clubs in the Manchester United star.

The England international saw attempts to leave Old Trafford at the end of the summer transfer window blocked after starting the season on the bench under Ruben Amorim.

His situation has not changed, still to start a league game, limited to just 183 minutes of action from the bench.

Mainoo received a huge ovation as he came on for the final 12 minutes against Wolves on Monday night but Amorim has insisted he will not be pressured into any decisions over the 20-year-old who was a key figure in the side under his predecessor Erik ten Hag.

Napoli have been interested in signing Mainoo since late August with the Serie A giants providing a new lease of life to those deemed surplus to requirements in Manchester.

Scott McTominay has been transformed since arriving in Naples with Rasmus Hojlund hitting some form again after a recent dip, scoring twice at the weekend against Juventus.

At least 12 clubs are interested in signing Mainoo with Chelsea and Bayern Munich previously credited with interest in the England star.

But the Daily Mail report the player’s preference is still Napoli.

United are still to give any move the green light with a replacement needed if they are to allow the midfielder to leave.

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna discussed their reported interest in Mainoo this week, but stopped short of confirming any plans to bring him in.

‘He’s a player who’s been linked to Napoli since August, partly because of his age, prospects, and opportunities,’ he told Sky Sports Italia.

‘But the team is doing well and has consolidated. We have some significant absences, but sooner or later our players will return, strong and determined. We need to make the right assessments, and we’ll see how things go along.’

Amorim has explained he views Mainoo as direct competition for Bruno Fernandes in his deeper midfield role with the United captain virtually undroppable.

Joshua Zirkzee also struggled for game but injuries to Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko saw him star three games in a row against Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

Ayden Heaven has also come into the fold, starting United’s last two games.

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Visiting a new city is easy. You buy the guidebook, you stand in line for the observation deck, and you eat at the restaurant with the menu in four languages.

But getting under the skin of a place like Melbourne requires a different approach. It’s about slowing down, finding the rhythm of the neighbourhoods, and the experiences that the locals love.

Victoria is built for this kind of travel. It’s a State where a morning surf can be followed by an afternoon hike in ancient ranges, and where the city culture is as rich as the wilderness on its doorstep.

Getting there is seamless with Malaysia Airlines, offering double daily flights from London via Kuala Lumpur, 20kg of baggage included, free Wi-Fi onboard and their signature Malaysian Hospitality. Plus, enjoy a unique ‘Bonus Side Trip’ that lets you add a tropical stopover to one of eight destinations across Malaysia on your way fare-free, just pay the taxes.

Here is your guide to experiencing Victoria like a local, not a tourist.

1. Road trip the Great Ocean Road (the right way)

It is one of the world’s most famous drives, but the best way to see it is on your own terms. Don’t just take the day bus. Hire a car, create a playlist, and take a few days to properly explore the Great Ocean Road.

This isn’t just about the 12 Apostles; it’s about surfing at Anglesea, spotting wild koalas in the gum trees at Kennett River, and waking up to the sound of the Southern Ocean crashing against the cliffs.

Stop at the lesser-known beaches like Childers Cove, and take the time to walk down Gibson Steps to see the limestone giants from beach level. It makes all the difference.

2. Hunt for hidden bars

Melbourne’s nightlife rewards the adventurous. The city is famous for its speakeasy culture, where the best venues are often hidden behind unmarked doors or unassuming shopfronts.

Start by exploring the street art in AC/DC Lane or Hosier Lane before hunting for spots like Berlin Bar (you’ll need to ring the doorbell) or Eau de Vie (tucked behind a hotel door). The cocktails are world-class, and the atmosphere is intimate.

3. Hike ‘The Prom’

If you ask a Melburnian where they go to escape the city for a weekend, they’ll likely say ‘The Prom’. Wilsons Promontory is the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland, a stunning national park of granite mountains and pristine coastline.

The hike to the summit of Mount Oberon offers panoramic views that are worth every step. Afterwards, cool off at Squeaky Beach, named for its white quartz sand that actually squeaks underfoot. You can spot wombats grazing near the campsites at dusk- a proper Australian moment.

4. Order coffee like a Melburnian

You cannot visit Melbourne and drink bad coffee- the standards here are just too high. But to truly fit in at a café in Fitzroy or Brunswick, skip the cappuccino and order a ‘Magic’ – it’s a double ristretto topped with milk, served in a smaller cup than a flat white. It’s punchy, rich, and you won’t find it on the menu at the big chains. 

5. St Kilda sunset sessions

St Kilda offers the perfect blend of city life and coastal chill. On a warm evening, do as the locals do: grab a pizza from a nearby Italian joint and head to the grassy slopes near the beach to watch the sunset.

Afterwards, walk down the pier to the breakwater. You don’t need to book far in advance, but penguin-viewing now runs on a simple, free-booking system to protect the colony.

A group of Little Penguins nests in the rocks here, and you can often spot them swimming home after dark against the backdrop of the city skyline. It’s a magical, free experience right on the city’s edge.

6. Conquer the Pinnacle

For those seeking a challenge, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is essential. The landscape is ancient, with rugged sandstone mountain ranges and native bushland.

The hike to The Pinnacle is a highlight – involving rock hopping and navigating the ‘Silent Street’ crevasse. The reward is a jagged rock ledge offering sweeping views over the valley floor. A powerful reminder of the scale of the Australian landscape and a perfect spot for that standout travel photo.

7. Festival season

Melbourne comes alive in March. The city’s events calendar is packed, headlined by the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park. Even if you aren’t a petrolhead, the atmosphere is electric, with the whole city buzzing with energy.

For foodies, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival offers a chance to taste the best of the state’s produce in unique settings, from long lunches to street food markets.

8. The high life

When the sun is out, Melbourne moves upwards. Rooftop bars shape the summer, from Naked for Satan in Fitzroy with its vodka menu and wide views over the inner north, to tucked-away rooftops in the city where pop-up cinemas take over warm evenings. Imbibing at altitude is a key part of the Melbourne summer lifestyle. 

9. Get cultured at the NGV

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a cultural heavyweight, hosting major international exhibitions and possessing an impressive permanent collection. It’s often free to enter and offers a cool, quiet retreat from the city buzz. Look out for ‘NGV Friday Nights,’ where the gallery opens late with DJs and bars in the garden. It’s a chill way to soak up some arty culture.

10. The smart traveller’s stopover

Connect on from Kuala Lumpur with 3 daily flights to Melbourne with the new A330neo operating some of the services, offering elevated levels of comfort. Why not book the exclusive Malaysia Airlines ‘Bonus Side Trip’ offer on your way to Australia or any international destination, one of our top tips?

Since you are flying via Kuala Lumpur, you can book a side trip to one of eight destinations in Malaysia, and the airline covers the airfare – you only pay the taxes.

For the independent traveller watching their budget, Penang is the smart choice. It is the street food capital of the world, where you can eat incredible Char Kway Teow noodles for just a few pounds, explore the heritage streets of George Town, and experience a culture totally distinct from Australia.

It’s the perfect way to break up the journey and squeeze in an extra Asian holiday for a fraction of the price.

Book your Victorian road trip and your bonus Malaysian beach break today at  malaysiaairlines.com

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