Man Utd leave Chelsea in dust in race for attack-minded full-back Ten Hag is ‘huge fan’ of

Denzel Dumfries, Leonardo Spinazzola, Inter Milan v Roma, October 2022

Manchester United have pulled well away from Chelsea in the race for Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries, whom Erik ten Hag would love to sign, a report has claimed.

Dumfries could be sacrificed by Inter this summer as part of their ongoing process of balancing the books. The full-back’s next destination could be in the Premier League, where he has long since had several admirers.

For example, Chelsea and Man Utd have been linked with Dumfries at various points throughout the current season. But now, an update from Football Insider has explained why Ten Hag’s team are in pole position.

Indeed, during the January transfer window, Chelsea arranged a deal for Lyon full-back, Malo Gusto. Therefore, their need for Dumfries has decreased ahead of the summer window, by which point Gusto will be at their disposal.

Man Utd, on the other hand, are still considering a bid for a new right-back. After all, Diogo Dalot is about to enter the final year of his contract and could head elsewhere – potentially even to Dumfries’ current club, Inter – while Aaron Wan-Bissaka may prefer to leave for more regular gametime elsewhere.

Hence, United are thinking about who they could bring in to replenish their depth on the right-hand side of their defence. And according to the report, Ten Hag is a “huge fan” of his compatriot, Dumfries.

Therefore, the Red Devils may be planning a move for Dumfries in the months ahead. To get their man, they will have to offer somewhere between £40million and £50m.

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Dumfries might be the more attacking option Man Utd have been needing

The Netherlands international has made 23 appearances in Serie A so far this season. Along the way, he has contributed six assists and one goal.

Hence, he might be able to offer Man Utd a new dimension from the right-back role. Historically, Wan-Bissaka has been questioned about his own attacking output, which may be why Ten Hag has used Dalot more.

Next season, Dumfries could be the main starter for Man Utd at right-back instead. He could be their latest Dutch recruit in the Ten Hag era, after the likes of Tyrell Malacia on the opposite side of defence last summer, and striker Wout Weghorst on loan in January.

Due to turn 27 in April, Dumfries would be arriving at Man Utd towards the peak of his career. Therefore, it is easy to see why Ten Hag might have some big plans for him.

For what it’s worth, Dumfries’ contract with Inter is due to last until 2025. This summer, there is a decent chance that he could be on the move – and Man Utd may be the ones to benefit.

Meanwhile, Man Utd are reportedly “in a rush” to sign an “atomic” attacker who is also currently playing his club football in Milan.