Roberto Mancini could join Manchester United: The Italian stars who might follow

Although Ralf Rangnick has just been appointed Manchester United interim boss, the 63-year-old German's contract as coach at Old Trafford only runs until the end of the season.

From the summer on, a new man will be occupying the bench at Old Trafford and the club are already trying to sound out who that might be.

One of the latest names to be linked with the post is something of a surprise. Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is reportedly being considered to take over from Rangnick at the end of the season, which would likely see him leave the Italy job.

Should the Italian take over, as the Telegraph are reporting, the Express have named five of his countrymen he may look to sign at United.

Nicolo Barella

The Inter midfielder has been impressive in Serie A for a number of years now with the champions and Cagliari before them, and he earned plaudits over the summer for his performances at Euro 2020. Barella currently has more than four years on his Inter contract and is unlikely to leave.

Federico Chiesa

Another to have had a memorable European Championship, the Juventus forward is coming into his prime in Turin after joining from Fiorentina in 2020. There has been speculation that he and Matthijs de Ligt could leave Juventus should they miss out on the Champions League, and Manchester may well be his next destination.

Leonardo Spinazzola

The Roma wing-back hasn't always been a model of consistency, but he's been an important player for Mancini's Italy and showed his very best at Euro 2020 before injury prematurely ended his tournament. The ex-Atalanta and Juventus man has had his fitness problems in the past though, which United would have to take into account.

Sandro Tonali

The AC Milan star, although not the same kind of player as Barella, might be another option in midfield. Having joined from Brescia he had a slow start to life in Milan in 2020/21, but Stefano Pioli has gotten more out of the midfielder this season.

Alessandro Bastoni

If defence is an area that United want to strengthen then there aren't many better young defenders than the Inter man. A product of Atalanta's esteemed academy, he took his first steps playing regularly in the Italian top tier with Parma before joining Inter in a big-money move. He has been ever-present for the Nerazzurri when fit over the last two seasons.