Enzo Maresca handed transfer headache as Man City star completely divides fanbase in Inter Milan friendly

Manchester City fans are completely divided over whether a player should leave the club this summer after watching his performance in Enzo Maresca’s first match in charge.

Maresca took charge of City for the first time when the Premier League side faced Inter Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday (August 1), with the Italian handing Phil Foden the captaincy while also fielding several star players, such as Antoine Semenyo, Josko Gvardiol and Gianluigi Donnarumma, from the start.

The first goal of the Maresca era came on 14 minutes, with Divin Mubama tapping home Semenyo’s cut-back after the Ghana international’s excellent dribbling created the opening.

City’s lead lasted just six minutes, with veteran French full-back Benjamin Pavard levelling from close range on 20 minutes.

Maresca made eight changes during the second half, while Inter boss Cristian Chivu opted to make 11 changes during the second 45 minutes as the match finished 1-1.

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A penalty shootout followed, with the Italian side winning 3-1 and, in doing so, being crowned Asahi Trophy champions.

Savinho divides opinion in Maresca's first game in charge

Following the match, several City fans were left divided by Savinho’s performance, with the Brazilian linked with a move away from the Etihad this summer, as Spurs are reportedly keen on the 22-year-old.

The winger played 78 minutes before being replaced by Ryan McAidoo with 12 minutes remaining.

Fans offered differing opinions on social media.

One said: "I think with Enzo Maresca in charge, there's a big chance Savinho stays at Man City. He's a perfect fit for Maresca's style. Last season was disappointing, but the talent is obvious. I still rate him highly, and I think he'll prove it this season, whether it's at City or Spurs."

Another added: "I need Ryan McAidoo to start our next game instead of Savinho."

A third claimed: "Savinho is a good player whether you like it or not. He's gonna have to stay."

A fourth commented: "Very impressed with McAidoo and I thought Savinho had a good game. I wouldn’t sell him."

While a fifth explained: "Savinho is one of those players who keeps you guessing. Some days he looks ordinary, other days he looks unplayable. He’s exactly the type you’d hate to sell to a rival. You never know when he’ll explode into a star. Somehow I think we should keep him."

A sixth wrote: "He’s absolutely amazing for an 18-year-old. Get Savinho gone and get McAidoo in the first team."

City continue their pre-season in Seoul, South Korea, taking on the K League All-Stars on August 5 and Atletico Madrid on August 9 before contesting the Community Shield against Arsenal at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on August 16.

Maresca’s side open their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home against Bournemouth on August 23.