Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke believes Erik ten Hag can play a big role in Manchester United’s pursuit of Denzel Dumfries, as he could “persuade” the Arsenal target to join.
Dumfries has shown his quality in a top-five European league over the past couple of seasons. Indeed, he’d been a useful asset for PSV Eindhoven previously, but his performances at Inter Milan have proven his quality.
His attacking output included five goals and five assists in 33 Serie A games last season. This term, he’s followed that up with one goal and four assists in 20 so far.
Amid his good form in Serie A, he’s had a number of big sides looking at him. Those included Tottenham – who signed right-back Pedro Porro in January – and Chelsea.
However, the two main suitors seem to be Arsenal and United. The pair seem to be battling it out for Dumfries, with a recent report stating while United are making moves to secure the wing-back, they have ‘slipped behind’ the Gunners.
Contrary to that, insider O’Rourke believes United have an asset that can help them win the race: Ten Hag.
“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 told GIVEMESPORT.
“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.”
Indeed, the Dutchman seems a quality option for a Premier League side, no matter who it is. It’s not clear if he has spoken with Ten Hag, who could persuade him to the club.
However, depending on what happens at United in the summer, there might be more of an upside in a move to Arsenal. Diogo Dalot has cemented himself as the starting right-back at United – only six outfield players have played more often than him.
Furthermore, he’d definitely be higher up on that list if it weren’t for an injury keeping him out for around 10 games. Getting in past Dalot seems a tough task.
If he was to leave though – with links to a move to Spain never far away – the role could be Dumfries’ to have.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s right-back situation could be seen as a little bit less solid. While Ben White hasn’t missed a Premier League game all season and has started all but one of those, he’s played the majority of his career as a centre-back.
The Gunners could move for Dumfries, with the idea that White would move back to centre-back or provide cover for either position.
In any case, Ten Hag’s persuasion might be a tougher task than it could seem on the surface.
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