After a summer of heavy investment that saw a total of six players walk through Carrington’s doors, Manchester United were hoping for a relatively quiet transfer window in January.
New manager Erik ten Hag had pointed out the over-reliance on starting right-back Diogo Dalot and hinted to the board that another right-back should be targeted in the winter.
But those plans had to be reshuffled after the bitter departure of last season’s top scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The manager publicly admitted that he currently has little firepower up front.
United’s transfer priorities have changed
And that has required the club to change its approach and try to make the manager a notable goalscorer. But the World Cup ended up creating another problem.
Most of United’s targets ended up enjoying quite a successful World Cup campaign and that saw their clubs rise in ratings.
The Red Devils will now be forced to choose which priority slot they want to fill, as their finances are too tight to be able to bring in an attacker and a right-back.
*Dumfries Transfer News* ????????????Manchester United are seeking a deal to sign Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, as Fabrizio Romano said via GiveMeSport. But #ManUnited wouldn’t want to spend around €50m on a right-back in his current situation. #ManUtd #MUFC #ManchesterUnited pic.twitter.com/0UWZdseOoX
– MUMU Football (@MUMUfootball) December 25, 2022
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has revealed to Givemesport that Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries is being “hunted” by United, although a January transfer will be “really difficult”.
Italian outlet CalcioMercatoWeb has claimed that the Red Devils are not the only club after the World Cup hero, as Chelsea have also been credited with interest.
The 26-year-old still has two and a half years to go on his existing contract with Inter and the Serie A giants will only agree to sell the full-back for €50m (£43m).
“I honestly don’t see them investing a lot of money in that position. So when I see links to Denzel Dumfries, it is true that they are after the player.
“But I think it’s going to be very difficult for them to sign Dumfries in January, especially because they’re on a tight budget because of the Glazer situation and also because they need a striker.
Dumfries valuation causes United headaches
“So, I don’t see the Dumfries deal available to Man United in January,” leaving them in a strong position at the negotiating table,” Romano revealed.
Dumfries’ attacking ability was on full display during the World Cup, where he scored once and provided two assists in five matches.
The Dutch international has established himself as one of the best attacking right-backs since his move to Italy, having scored seven goals and added 10 assists in 65 appearances in all competitions.
However, their defensive weaknesses have also been exposed on numerous occasions. It remains to be seen if Ten Hag bets on Dumfries in January or next summer if Aaron Wan-Bissaka continues to improve.
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