BERGAMO, ITALY - OCTOBER 14: Nicolo Barella of Italy in action during the UEFA Nations League group stage match between Italy and Netherlands at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on October 14, 2020 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
According to an older report from FcInterNews (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United were said to be interested in Nicolo Barella in early November. The Inter Milan man has caught the attention of clubs with his impressive performances this season. Clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have been credited with an interest in the player.
Nicolo Barella is a 23-year-old Italian midfielder who plays for Serie A club Inter Milan. A youth product of Cagliari, he started out for them in 2006 and spent his whole youth career at their academy. In 2013, he was promoted to their U-19 side.
He went on to make 41 appearances for them and was subsequently promoted to the senior team within a year. However, he was sent on loan to Como 1907 in 2016 for a short loan spell. At Cagliari, he featured in a total of 112 games, scoring 7 goals and 6 assists.
Inter Milan signed him on an initial loan deal in 2019, which was made permanent in the following season. He has enjoyed a good spell at Inter so far, with 53 appearances to date, scoring 4 goals and assisting 12 (source – Transfermarkt).
Barella was a regular of the Italy youth sides before progressing to the senior side. He is currently a part of the senior team, with 18 appearances and 4 goals to his name.
It may seem that Manchester United already have an overstocked midfield with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic but the truth is only a few of them are sure starters and have actually played well.
Matic is well past his prime and Pogba hasn’t done himself any favours with his performances for the club.
This is where the addition of Barella would come in handy. The Italian has emerged as one of Europe’s best young midfielders in recent years. The role he plays is ‘Mezzala’. He is known to break up the opposition play and start attacks for his team. He is often seen making runs into the box to finish a chance. His defensive work rate is also commendable.
Manchester United need someone exactly like that. Fred might have done decently in that position but his offensive output leaves with a lot to be desired. Barella can help with that issue as he provides output at both ends of the pitch. Manchester United should definitely try to sign him next summer.
