Tuesday, July 21, 2026

United's Italian Scouting Mission: Dimarco and Kalulu on the Radar as INEOS Plans Summer Overhaul

February 13, 2026
United's Italian Scouting Mission: Dimarco and Kalulu on the Radar as INEOS Plans Summer Overhaul
United's Italian Scouting Mission: Dimarco and Kalulu on the Radar as INEOS Plans Summer Overhaul

Manchester United are gearing up for a reconnaissance trip to Italy's San Siro, with the club eyeing a pair of Serie A talents for the summer window.

The Old Trafford hierarchy have already moved swiftly into transfer planning mode, even as uncertainty continues to cloud the managerial situation. This comes after a summer that saw over £200m invested in new blood, with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon, and Senne Lammens all arriving at the club.

Those recruitment efforts failed to pay immediate dividends under Ruben Amorim, whose brief tenure ended with his dismissal last month. Michael Carrick has since steadied the ship as interim manager, compiling an impressive record of four victories and a draw from his first five matches in charge.

The San Siro Scouting Mission

According to reports, United have positioned themselves strategically to observe two targets during Saturday's Inter Milan versus Juventus clash. Federico Dimarco, Inter's left wing-back, and Pierre Kalulu, the Juventus centre-back, are both drawing serious attention from the Premier League club.

Dimarco has been a standout performer for the Nerazzurri this season, contributing five goals and 11 assists across 22 Serie A appearances. The Italian international's form has caught United's eye, though any pursuit faces a significant hurdle: Inter view him as untouchable and have little appetite for negotiations.

The left-back's contract situation offers a sliver of hope, with just 18 months remaining on his current deal. However, Inter are already moving to tie him down with fresh terms, including a salary increase to €5.5 million annually—a sweetener designed to ward off the attentions of English suitors.

Kalulu represents the other half of United's Italian window-shopping, though details on the club's specific interest remain sparse at this stage.

The Managerial Question Lingers

While United press ahead with their summer planning, the identity of next season's head coach remains unresolved. The club's hierarchy have yet to commit to either keeping Carrick permanently or pursuing alternative options.

Roberto De Zerbi's recent sacking by Marseille has inevitably sparked speculation, with the Italian tactician already linked with both United and Tottenham. Jaap Stam has publicly backed the move, praising De Zerbi's possession-based philosophy and man-management credentials.

"He's very good on the ball and excellent with players," Stam told OLBG. "He gives everyone the attention they deserve—not just the starting eleven but the entire squad. I'd be delighted if United pursued him rather than sticking with Carrick."

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