Enzo Maresca faces a tough choice as Man City star splits fans during Inter Milan friendly
Manchester City fans are split over whether a player should leave the club this summer after his performance in Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge.
Maresca took over as City’s boss for the first time when they played Inter Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday, August 1. The Italian coach made Phil Foden the captain and started some big names like Antoine Semenyo, Josko Gvardiol, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The first goal under Maresca came early, at 14 minutes, when Divin Mubama tapped in after Semenyo’s great dribbling set it up. But City’s lead only lasted six minutes before Inter’s Benjamin Pavard scored to make it 1-1.
Maresca made eight changes in the second half, while Inter’s coach Cristian Chivu swapped out all 11 players after halftime. The game ended 1-1.
After that, there was a penalty shootout which Inter won 3-1, claiming the Asahi Trophy.
Many City fans had mixed feelings about Savinho’s game. The Brazilian winger played 78 minutes before being replaced by Ryan McAidoo. Savinho is linked with a move away, with Spurs reportedly interested in signing the 22-year-old.
Fans shared their opinions on social media. One said, “I think with Maresca in charge, there’s a good chance Savinho stays. He fits Maresca’s style. Last season wasn’t great, but he has clear talent. I still rate him and think he’ll show it this season, either at City or Spurs.”
Another wrote, “I want Ryan McAidoo to start the next game instead of Savinho.”
Someone else said, “Savinho is a good player, whether you like it or not. He should stay.”
Another fan added, “I liked McAidoo and thought Savinho played well. I wouldn’t sell him.”
One comment was, “Savinho is unpredictable—sometimes ordinary, sometimes amazing. He’s the kind of player you wouldn’t want to sell to a rival. We should keep him.”
While another said, “He’s amazing for an 18-year-old. Get Savinho out and McAidoo in the first team.”
City continue their pre-season in Seoul, South Korea, where they’ll face the K League All-Stars on August 5 and Atletico Madrid on August 9. Then, they’ll play Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16 in Cardiff, Wales.
Maresca’s team starts the 2026/27 Premier League season at home against Bournemouth on August 23.