Manchester United target Denzel Dumfries would like to move to Old Trafford and, if Erik ten Hag remains as manager, it could very much be a possibility.
It is an open secret that the Red Devils are on the lookout for defensive upgrades as they have struggled all season in this department.
The shameful performance in the 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace was yet again another reminder of just how much work needs to be done to make United competitive again.
At right back, Diogo Dalot been the only defender to be fit and available the majority of the season as he has taken part in 46 games.
However, like most of the team, his form has dropped over the last couple of months and fellow right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has struggled, as both have had to fill in at left back due to the long term injuries of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Ever since Ten Hag became manager of United back in the spring of 2022, he has been linked to bringing in a right back and, as of late, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong has been one of the most discussed options.
However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, there is a good chance that United will return for Dumfries, a player they have closely tracked across the last two years, if not earlier.
The Italian paper claims that Inter Milan are beginning to accept their marauding full back’s future probably lies away from Italy.
“There certainly wouldn’t be a riot in the streets if there was no agreement for the renewal of Denzel Dumfries with consequent sale to the highest bidder: the negotiations with the Dutchman seem more complex than a financial law, pessimism is starting to prevail.”
The outlet also claims that the 28 year old has not kicked on this season like they would have expected, despite being part of the title winning team.
“Dumfries’ mistake against Sassuolo may be the result of the lack of tension after the championship revelry, but it is not the Dutchman’s first failure: Inter expected an explosion that Denzel did not have.”
In addition, he has asked for more money than Inter are prepared to pay and his deal expires next year in 2025.
Interestingly for United fans, Inter will also “accelerate his departure at a price to be raised up to €25-30 million. Dumfries has currently always rejected the idea of playing for a mid-level team in England: he would like United and, if Ten Hag stays, the possibility could be real.”
Dumfries would certainly be an attacking upgrade on what United currently have, but he is far from stable defensively and he has frequently played for Inter and the Netherlands in a wingback system – something United or Ten Hag rarely utilise.
The defender has three goals and six assists in the current campaign and can often be seen bombing down the right-hand side. He would certainly be an exciting addition, but it’s hard to envisage him fitting in tactically in a back four.
Furthermore, with United currently floundering in eighth and a mammoth task in front of them to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, it seems highly unlikely Dumfries’ long term admirer, Ten Hag, will still be in a position to sign him for United at the end of the season.
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