United Manager Erik Ten Hag Wants to Sign Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries

Denzel Dumfries, Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, Arsenal

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is interested in bringing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries to Old Trafford this summer, according to reports in Italy. However, the United hierarchy will line up a move for the Dutchman, provided they succeed in offloading Aaron Wan-Bissaka in this transfer window.

Having only moved to Inter last summer, the 26-year-old Dutch international enjoyed a terrific debut campaign with the Nerazzurri; scoring five goals and assisting seven across all competitions last season (stats via Transfermarkt).

Denzel Dumfries, Inter Milan, Ten Hag, Manchester United — Image Obtained Via Team Talk

Despite three years remaining on his contract, the Dutch full-back is said to be tempted by a potential move to Old Trafford. Additionally, Inter Milan are likely to offload the player provided any interested club meets their €40m (£34m) valuation for the right-back.

Following the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, and Lisandro Martinez, the Red Devils reportedly remain interested in completing deals for the likes of Frenkie De Jong, Antony, Denzel Dumfries, and a potential striker before the end of the transfer window.

As reported by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Sun), Erik ten Hag has asked the Manchester United board to try and sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan this summer. However, the Red Devils will sanction the move only if the English side succeed in selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Erik ten Hag is pushing for Denzel Dumfries to join #mufc. United are in pole position. Inter Milan want €40 million. [@cmdotcom]

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 24, 2022

With previous reports having suggested the Manchester club as a frontrunner to secure the signature of Denzerl Dumfries, it remains to be seen if Ten Hag demands his arrival. Moreover, United will need to sanction player sales over the coming weeks to raise funds for signing the Dutchman.

A Physical Powerhouse

Known for his physicality and athleticism, Ten Hag is known to be an admirer of the same attributes, potentially playing a crucial factor behind his interest in securing the services of Denzel Dumfries. Adept at relentlessly covering the full length of the right-flank, the Dutch international’s strengths lie in his attacking potential and infectious energy on the pitch.

Moreover, his impact across the attacking third reflects in his numbers, with the 26-year-old ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals (npXg), touches in the penalty area (5.88) and progressive passes received (5.45) per game, last season.

Denzel Dumfries — Image Obtained Via Team Talk

According to the report in Gazzetta dello Sport, Dumfries’ “timing and physicality” has resulted in him garnering attention from clubs across England, with Chelsea amongst those having expressed an interest at a point during negotiations for Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter earlier this summer.

The prospect of working with his fellow countryman in Ten Hag is also said to be of influence in his decision, with United “ready to make an offer” provided they sanction the sale of Wan-Bissaka this summer.

Verdict

With Ten Hag having favoured Diogo Dalot over Wan-Bissaka hitherto, the latter is expected to move elsewhere before the end of the summer transfer window. Moreover, with Dumfries emerging as a player suited to Ten Hag’s footballing philosophy alongside boasting significant experience on the international stage, the 26-year-old is expected to slot in as the team’s starting right-back, provided a move to United materialises this summer.

Undoubtedly an upgrade on the team’s current options to fill the right-back position, the Dutch right-back could move to Old Trafford on a cut-price deal, provided the Red Devils express a genuine interest in his signature.

With Ten Hag keen on significantly bolstering his squad for the new season, a deal could quickly materialise for Denzel Dumfries, provided the Premier League side raise funds through player sales in a bid to grant the new manager his transfer targets before the end of the window.

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