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Man Utd to benefit from Italian connection as midfield maestro linked

Man Utd could benefit from the arrival of an Italian manager and Inter Milan star, according to reports in Europe.

Norwegian boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come under fire in the past few weeks. The Red Devils have lost to Leicester City and Aston Villa, as well as being held to a 1-1 draw by Everton.

Those disappointing results have seen them slip down the Premier League table. Title rivals Chelsea already have five points on them prior to match day nine.

Gossip columns in both the UK and in Europe are analysing the future of Solskjaer. Some reckon that he won’t be in charge after Man Utd’s tough run of fixtures against the likes of Atalanta, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Antonio Conte is one manager being linked with Solskjaer’s job. Reports on Monday claimed that the Italian is now the favourite to take over, should Solskjaer get the sack.

Man Utd chiefs know that Conte has title-winning experience in the Premier League. He guided Chelsea to top spot in the 2016-17 campaign. The Blues also won the 2018 FA Cup under his guidance, beating Man Utd in the final.

He was sacked in July of that year as they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Spanish outlet Fichajes (via Sport Witness) give their take on the Conte to Man Utd links. They claim that the 52-year-old would target one of his favourite stars if he were to get the job at Old Trafford.

That man is Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella. The 24-year-old registered three goals and nine assists last season as Conte’s Inter lifted the Italian title.

Barella also played a big role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph earlier this year. He is now viewed as one of the top central midfielders in world football.

Fichajes claim that Conte would be desperate to take Barella with him to Manchester. The player would undoubtedly improve a midfield which currently consists of Fred and Scott McTominay. His arrival could also mean that Donny van de Beek leaves Old Trafford.

Solskjaer given little chance of seeing out the season at Manchester United

Solskjaer reacts to Man Utd criticism

The manager has responded after Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher dissected his Man Utd team on Monday Night Football.

At a press conference, Solskjaer said: “I prefer not to watch them two. It doesn’t affect me but of course you see some of the comments. We’ve got Liverpool on Sunday as well so Jamie is always looking at these little things.

“I’ve got my values, my way of managing. I believe in myself, as long as the club believes in me, I’m pretty sure Jamie Carragher’s opinion isn’t going to change that.”

When asked about the Atalanta clash, he added: “As with every game we analyse the game, look at we have to improve on. But you move on quickly, which is Atalanta.

“We focus on what we need to be good at. In the Champions League you’ve got six games and if you win your three home games and get a result away from home you’re most likely through.”

READ MORE: Serious Man Utd clash predicted with Solskjaer ‘unhappy’ over transfer failure

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