Manchester Giants Target Inter’s Key Assets: Inzaghi Wins Over Majority of United Fans

As Inter Milan prepares for their upcoming match against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Champions League, the spotlight has shifted to two of their most prized assets: manager Simone Inzaghi and midfield dynamo Nicolo Barella. The pair have drawn attention from both Manchester United and Manchester City, marking a significant moment for Inter amidst an already eventful period.

A Stirring in Milan

Recent weeks have been chaotic for the Nerazzurri, with off-field controversies as local authorities launched an investigation into organized crime linked to fan leaders in the Curva Nord and Curva Sud of the San Siro. Eighteen individuals have been arrested, and several prominent Inter supporters have seen their social media accounts temporarily restricted as part of a broader probe. The investigation, which includes charges such as ticket extortion and inciting fan violence, has placed the club in the spotlight. Inter’s official stance is clear—they are fully cooperating with authorities, offering any necessary information for the ongoing investigation.

Despite the noise surrounding these off-field issues, Inter has remained focused on their footballing ambitions. Tonight's Champions League clash will see coach Simone Inzaghi make as many as seven changes to the starting eleven, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sports Italia. This will give some key players like Marcus Thuram a chance to rest after a busy schedule, while others like Mehdi Taremi and Marko Arnautović will likely get a chance to start up front.

More intriguingly, sources suggest that Inzaghi has conducted special training sessions over the past two days, involving players who didn't feature heavily in the recent win over Udinese. What these special drills entail remains to be seen, but many are curious to find out what tactical innovations Inzaghi has been working on.

However, the bigger talking point in Italy—and indeed, across Europe—is the growing interest in Inzaghi and Barella from the Premier League’s top clubs, specifically Manchester City and Manchester United.

Manchester City Eyes Nicolo Barella

Nicolo Barella has long been considered one of the brightest talents in Italian football, and his performances this season have done nothing to diminish that reputation. The midfielder’s tireless work rate, technical ability, and leadership on the pitch have made him indispensable for Inter, and his standout displays in both Serie A and the Champions League have caught the eye of Manchester City.

According to reports from The Daily Mail and Football Insider, City could be preparing an offer exceeding £70 million for Barella. City’s manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a huge admirer of the Italian midfielder, particularly after witnessing Barella’s performance against his side earlier in the Champions League. Barella’s dynamic running, intelligent positioning, and ability to stymie City’s high pressing were crucial in disrupting Guardiola’s tactical game plan.

Guardiola's admiration for Barella has grown throughout the season, as the midfielder has demonstrated his ability to combine defensive solidity with creative flair. His vision and passing range make him a key asset in Inter's counter-attacking system, and his versatility allows him to contribute both in attack and defense. It’s no surprise, then, that City is willing to break the bank for a player of his caliber.

There’s also a strategic element to City’s interest in Barella. Behind the scenes, City’s ownership is reportedly preparing for a future without Guardiola, who has hinted at a possible departure at the end of the current campaign. Should Guardiola leave, City wants to ensure that the squad remains competitive, and Barella is seen as the kind of player who could thrive under any new manager. The Times revealed that City’s ownership is prepared to offer Guardiola’s replacement a massive transfer war chest—at least £300 million—to reshape the squad. Whether Guardiola stays or goes, Barella remains high on City’s wish list.

In addition to his physical and technical qualities, Barella's leadership on the pitch is another key factor that has drawn City’s attention. With veterans like Ilkay Gündogan having left, City is keen to bring in players who can not only perform at the highest level but also help shape the team's future direction. Barella, still only 26, fits the profile perfectly.

Simone Inzaghi: The Popular Choice for Manchester United

While City targets Barella, Manchester United’s interest lies in Simone Inzaghi, the man steering Inter from the sidelines. As Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United has faltered in the early stages of the Premier League season, losing three of their first six matches, speculation has intensified regarding the Dutchman's future. If Ten Hag is unable to turn things around, the club’s hierarchy is reportedly considering a change in management, and Inzaghi has emerged as a prime candidate to take over at Old Trafford.

In recent weeks, rumors have swirled around several high-profile names being linked to the potential managerial vacancy at United. Italian media outlets have mentioned Massimiliano Allegri, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, and Graham Potter as possibilities, but it is Inzaghi who has gained the most traction among both pundits and fans. Polls conducted on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have shown that a vast majority—close to 80%—of Premier League fans would support Inzaghi taking the reins at United.

Much of Inzaghi’s appeal lies in his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of a squad, even when facing resource constraints. His preferred 3-5-2 system has brought success at both Lazio and Inter, with his sides known for their defensive organization and ability to strike on the counterattack. For United, who have struggled with consistency and a lack of identity under Ten Hag, Inzaghi’s structured approach could provide the stability they desperately need.

United fans have already begun discussing the potential implications of Inzaghi’s arrival. Would the club’s current squad be able to adapt to his favored formation? If not, what signings would be required in the upcoming transfer windows? Discussions online have touched on the need for new wingbacks, as well as reinforcements in central defense and midfield to suit Inzaghi's system. Fans have speculated that players like Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot could thrive as wingbacks, while the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony might struggle to find a place in Inzaghi's plans.

Despite the rumors, Italian sources claim that Inter is not overly concerned about losing their manager. While the club acknowledges the potential financial clout of the Premier League giants, they are confident that they can keep Inzaghi at the helm, even if United were to make a significant offer. Furthermore, Inzaghi himself has shown little inclination to leave, with his focus firmly on guiding Inter to further success in Serie A and the Champions League.

The Premier League's Growing Influence on Serie A

The fact that Manchester United and Manchester City are both targeting key figures at Inter speaks volumes about the current state of European football. For years, Serie A was the dominant force in Europe, producing some of the best players and managers in the world. However, the financial might of the Premier League has shifted the balance of power, and now clubs like Inter must constantly fend off interest in their top talents.

Yet, this interest from England also highlights Inter’s resurgence on the European stage. Performances in the Champions League are now seen as more important than domestic league matches for clubs like Inter, not just for financial reasons but also in terms of elevating the profiles of their players and coaching staff. Success in Europe opens doors for players and managers alike, creating opportunities for bigger contracts and moves to more lucrative leagues.

In this context, it’s no surprise that Inter appears more focused and motivated when playing in the Champions League compared to their Serie A campaign. The added exposure from Europe’s elite competition has clearly raised the profile of both Barella and Inzaghi, and their performances have attracted the attention of the footballing world.

With that said, Inter fans need not worry too much about tonight’s match against Red Star. Despite the likely rotations, every player who steps onto the pitch will be fully aware that they are being watched by scouts and fans across Europe. Whether it’s the established stars or the fringe players looking to make a name for themselves, Inter’s squad knows that a strong showing in Europe could shape their future.

As the speculation continues to swirl around Barella and Inzaghi, one thing is certain: Inter’s ability to compete at the highest level has made them one of the most intriguing teams in European football this season. Fans may have to endure a few more transfer rumors in the coming months, but that’s simply the price of success in today’s game.