Erik Ten Hag Wants Man United to Sign Inter Full-back Denzel Dumfries

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly pushing for the club to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries in the upcoming January transfer window. The Red Devils are looking to bolster their options in the right-back position and have identified the Dutch full-back as a potential option.

Having previously been of interest to the club last summer, Ten Hag is said to have ‘directly asked’ for the Dutch international’s signing as the United boss continues to draw up options to challenge Diogo Dalot for his starting spot at the club moving forward.

Denzel Dumfries, Manchester United — Image Obtained Via talkSPORT

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is expected to make a move away from Old Trafford owing to the significant lack of game-time under Ten Hag with Denzel Dumfries emerging amongst the obvious replacements. Moreover, the 26-year-old recently impressed with the national team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup; reaching the quarter-final stage of the tournament.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport (via The Express), Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has ‘directly’ asked the club to look into the transfer of Inter right-back Denzel Dumfries. The report states that the Red Devils are already in touch with the player’s agent, Rafael Pimenta, over a possible January move.

Meanwhile, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, too, addressed the possibility of United negotiating with Inter Milan for the Dutchman’s signing. He revealed that if the Manchester club are ready to offer around €40/45m, the Serie A side could move ahead for negotiations.

🇳🇱 Il Man Utd è interessato a Dumfries, che è su un altro livello rispetto a Frimpong, ma il problema è l’Inter, che vuole tenerlo almeno fino a fine stagione e non lo venderà per €20-25mln. Il prezzo è di €45-50mln. @FabrizioRomano @UnitedStandMUFC pic.twitter.com/s32pNL9kWr

— InterHub (@InterHubOff) December 12, 2022

However, Ten Hag’s side are yet to engage in talks with the Italian club for the 26-year-old’s transfer. I Nerazzurri want to retain the Dutch full-back’s services while the Red Devils’ priority lie in renewing Diogo Dalot’s contract over the coming weeks.

Moreover, as reported by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Lyon’s Malo Gusto also appear on United’s shortlist for right-back options alongside the Dutchman over the upcoming transfer windows.

Excl. Malo #Gusto: The 19 y/o is very high rated at #MUFC and one of several top transfer targets as a right back. #Frimpong is still in. Ten Hag is pushing for #Dumfries. Gusto would be a big solution in summer 23. Bosses estimate a price tag of around €30-40m. @SkySportDE 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/Zz0ikYoHcA

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 12, 2022

Having been amongst the most sought after full-backs in recent seasons, Dumfries is expected to make a move over the next season. With Inter Milan enduring financial problems owing to substantial debts, the club are highly likely to sanction the sale of a couple of their alluring assets over the upcoming transfer windows.

Manchester United certainly want to support Ten Hag in the transfer window and fulfilling his wish to bring Denzel Dumfries to the Theatre of Dreams would be the right move. Moreover, with club likely to receive a financial boost over reports of new incoming ownership, the 26-year-old’s signing could potentially mark the beginning of a new era at Old Trafford.

An Exciting Addition

Boasting notable numbers across international and club football in recent seasons, Dumfries’ addition could potentially offer a distinct dynamic to United’s attacking prowess under Ten Hag. Although primarily operating as a right-wing-back for Inter Milan, the Dutch international’s attacking potential statistically overshadows his defensive output.

Alongside being capable of contributing with both goals and assists, the Dutch right-back averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions during his final season at PSV Eindhoven before moving to Inter Milan, whilst the full-back also won two aerial duels on average.

Additionally, likely to emerge as an adept challenger for the right-back position at Old Trafford, Denzel Dumfries could provide the much-needed guile and consistent attacking threat from the flanks for Ten Hag moving forward.

Verdict

Expected to move for a right-back provided an opportunity rises, the Dutch manager will be keen on securing a challenger for Dalot’s position in the January transfer window. However, with Inter Milan expected to quote close to €60m for Dumfries’ sale, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils prioritise his signing in the upcoming window.

Follow AD for the Latest Transfer Updates for Manchester United.