Man Utd: Ten Hag could persuade 'buccaneering' £45m star to Old Trafford | OneFootball

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GiveMeSport

·19 February 2023

Man Utd: Ten Hag could persuade 'buccaneering' £45m star to Old Trafford

Article image:Man Utd: Ten Hag could persuade 'buccaneering' £45m star to Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could play a key role in persuading 'long-term target' Denzel Dumfries to swap Inter Milan for Old Trafford this summer, journalist Pete O'Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

Having sealed the loan acquisitions of Jack Butland, Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer last month, the Red Devils' squad could be freshened up again when the transfer window reopens.


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According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Dumfries has set his sights on heading to the Premier League and his representatives are already holding discussions with Manchester United over a potential switch.

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The report suggests Inter have got their eye on landing Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui as a replacement for the right-back, who they value at £45million.

Dumfries was also the subject of a £31million bid from Chelsea during the January transfer window, but he remained at the San Siro as the proposal did not meet his current employers' asking price.

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano recently told GiveMeSport that Manchester United were pursuing the Netherlands international heading into 2023, but a limited budget meant it was impossible to pounce last month.

Dumfries still has just shy of two-and-a-half years remaining on his £55,000-per-week contract, leaving Inter in a strong negotiating position if the Red Devils or other suitors table an offer.

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Dumfries?

O'Rourke believes ten Hag's presence in the dugout could be crucial in convincing fellow countryman Dumfries to seal a move to Manchester United.

The journalist feels the 26-year-old would be a hit in the Premier League and excite Red Devils supporters with his attacking style.

O'Rourke told GiveMeSport: "I think it can only help that there is a Dutchman in charge of Manchester United and that could maybe help persuade Denzel Dumfries to make the move to Old Trafford.

"He's been a long-term target for Manchester United in recent seasons. He is a real buccaneering right-back who loves to attack. He looks like he's got all the attributes to be a success in the Premier League with the style of play that he has."

Would Dumfries be a good signing for Man United?

According to FBref, Dumfries has averaged more goals, assists and blocks per 90 minutes than current Manchester United right-backs Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka this season.

That emphasises the Dutchman, who has racked up six goal contributions since the campaign got underway, is capable of being a threat in the final third of the pitch as well as being difficult for opponents to overcome.

Sofascore data highlights Dumfries has created eight big chances in Serie A, so his figures could be even better.

The former PSV Eindhoven man would also be of huge benefit to Manchester United when it comes to defending set pieces as WhoScored statistics show he won 1.8 aerial battles per outing when featuring for the Netherlands at the World Cup last year.

Ten Hag wanted to add a new right-back to his squad in January and, although that failed to come to fruition, Dumfries should be among his leading targets.

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