Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Denzel Dumfries after the Inter Milan wing-back signed a new deal with the Italian giants.
The Red Devils had been given hope that they had an opportunity to sign the Inter defender after the Dutchman had refused to agree to a new deal in the summer of 2024.
Dumfries was reportedly of interest to United, with The Athletic even claiming that Old Trafford was his preferred destination.
Current manager Ruben Amorim would arguably have been able to platform the wing-back better than previous boss Erik ten Hag given he utilises a back five.
However, now that Dumfries has agreed to a new contract, Amorim will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements in defence, potentially disrupting his summer plans.
© Imago
Do United need new wing-backs?
Luke Shaw started the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur on the left of a back five, while Noussair Mazraoui was stationed on the right, but neither impressed against Spurs.
Diogo Dalot was brought on as a late substitute in that game, but he failed to make an impact, and the trio's mixed performances have led to suggestions that the club need to find alternatives in the transfer market.
Amorim's 3-4-3 system positions two number 10s behind a central striker, meaning the team's width is provided by wing-backs.
Shaw was capable of providing attacking support at his peak, but the Englishman has suffered numerous injury issues during his time at Old Trafford, making just 16 Premier League starts in the last two seasons combined.
On the right side, Dalot is more of a traditional right-back and has struggled to contribute in the final third, while Mazraoui has not found the adapting to the Premier League straightforward.
Amad Diallo has at times been deployed on the right side of a back five, but though he has shown promise, he is arguably at his best when used as a number 10.
If Amorim is to succeed at United, he will need to be provided with significant funds in order to revamp the playing squad, and the addition of wing-backs should be seen as a matter of priority.
Lewis Nolan
