28 y/o hailed as his nation’s ‘very best’ player rebuffs chance to join United – despite pushing for summer move

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JULY 10: Denzel Dumfries of Netherlands during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Netherlands and England at Football Stadium Dortmund on July 10, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

When Manchester United were scouring the market for a practical full-back signing in the summer, Denzel Dumfries’ name was again thrown into the mix.

Long have United been linked with the Inter Milan stalwart, though a deal has never come to fruition between both parties.

Perhaps the most suitable time for the Reds’ interest to materialise was in August, as Dumfries himself was seemingly waiting on a call from INEOS chiefs in hopes of making the move to Old Trafford. The ever-reliable David Ornstein reported via The Athletic that the player had shelved contract talks with Inter to gauge United’s desire to strike up an agreement.

However, while known admirers of the 28-year-old, the club instead pursued another Erik ten Hag protegee in the form of Noussair Mazraoui, who joined with defensive counterpart Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and has since started every Premier League game thus far.

Read more: Shearer warns Ten Hag that Spurs’ ‘top player’ can ‘hurt’ them as he predicts Utd to drop points in third straight game

Dumfries to commit long-term future to Inter

Dumfries, whom Rafael Van der Vaart deemed as the Netherlands’ ‘very best player’ and an ‘ideal full-back’, has now reportedly rebuffed an approach from the Red Devils – presumably over a January switch – as he intends to finally commit his future to the reigning Serie A champions, per Fichajes

It’s worth noting that the source is far from the most reputable outlet, but the prospect of INEOS plotting mid-season acquisitions for the backline isn’t too far-fetched – especially given the side’s substandard start to the campaign.