Man Utd could turn Hojlund into a monster by signing Tuchel's £26m star

The future of Manchester United remains uncertain, however for whoever is in charge at Old Trafford next season, an overhaul of the current squad will be required following a long and generally disappointing campaign.

Amid reports that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are willing to listen to offers for almost every member of the squad – apart from the promising group of Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – there could be a big exit this summer.

That potential raft of output will then spark demand for a wave of quality inflows from Manchester, where INEOS needs to show a turnaround in the transfer market, following years of malaise under Glazer's ownership.

Another area that may need strengthening is at the back, with the likes of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia hampered by injury and Aaron Wan-Bissaka only has a year left on his current deal, leaving Diogo Dalot as the only reliable option. on the sides.

The Portuguese could be set for welcome competition this summer if the Red Devils succeed, amid reports that a new defender could be on the agenda for United's new regime.

Man Utd heading to Serie A sensation

According to reports in Italy earlier this week, according to Gazzetta.it, United could be in the picture for Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, and the Dutchman looks set to win with just 12 months left on his current contract at the San Siro. . .

The report suggests that the 28-year-old could be available for €30m (£26m), making him a smart and cost-effective option in the current market – especially considering the Red Devils shelled out £50m for Wan-Bissaka almost five years ago.

The suggestion is that it is the player himself who is keen to make the jump to the Theater of Dreams, although that change may depend on whether his colleague, Erik ten Hag, remains in charge.

However, with United a target in the past, it may be prudent to push for Dumfries even if there is a change in manager, with the full-back boasting the credentials to stand out in the Premier League.

Statistics for Dumfries 2023/24

Dumfries has been a key part of Inter's incredible dominance of Serie A this season, bagging three goals and five assists in the league as Simone Inzaghi's side swept the Scudetto.

That takes his tally to 30 goals in 130 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants, having previously returned the same tally of 36 goals and assists in 124 appearances for former club PSV Eindhoven.

The Red Devils may be wary of snapping up anyone with Eredivisie connections, but Dumfries' attacking intent is cause for celebration, even if he has been used to working at the highest point of the back in recent years.

That freedom to bomb forward at will has seen the in-demand ace create six 'big chances' this season, with Dalot, for example, creating just five 'big chances' in the Premier League, with the Inter star also ranked second. 12% higher than its European peers with 90 assists.

There may be some concern as to whether the Rotterdam native can adapt to the rear berth, although one solution may emerge during the appointment. of the reported targetThomas Tuchel, who is from Germany, is said to be among the contenders for Ten Hag's position this summer.

The Bayern Munich manager did not use five players at the back during his success at Chelsea, who won the Champions League, thereby ensuring that Dumfries can comfortably fit into Reece James' role in the side.

As Fabrizio Romano reported back in 2022, the Netherlands international was actually targeted for those at Stamford Bridge and was “appreciated” by Tuchel, as he was described as a “real profile” wanted by Paris Saint-Germain manager and former analyst Ryan Gunness.

Well, the dream of signing Tuchel, Dumfries could get the best of one star currently at United, in the form of Hojlund.

How could Dumfries get into Man Utd

It's fair to say it's been a mixed bag of youngster Hojlund's first season, with the £72m arrival from Atalanta having scored just eight league goals so far, as part of 14 goals in all competitions.

For a 21-year-old to reach that figure isn't a bad return – especially considering Dimitar Berbatov scored 14 goals in 2008/09 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur – but as United's main attacking man, much is certain. what is needed.

*(Signed January 2004 – Got 7th in 14 games in 2003/04)

The biggest issue was perhaps the lack of service received by the Dane, and The Athletic reported that between 18 February and Hojlund's goal against Sheffield United last month. limited to just seven shots.

Perhaps a top striker should be able to create chances for himself, a la Harry Kane, but Hojlund desperately needs support from the flanks, something that hasn't been provided by the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Antony who often cut in between. in any department.

Having a full-back or a natural right-footed full-back, like Dumfries, can help boost the striker's utility, as Rio Ferdinand previously revealed the full-back's ability to create:

“He doesn't put balls in willy-nilly, he appoints people, that reduction was very dangerous. ”

As his assist record shows, Dumfries can easily pick his teammates from the flanks, ensuring Hojlund will have plenty to work with – a frightening prospect for the player”monster in the making“, according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

With only Bruno Fernandes (11) providing more assists for United than the former PSV man (six) in all competitions in 23/24, there is clear evidence why his arrival could benefit United's players and Hojlund in particular.

So, whether Ten Hag stays in charge for another season or not, Dumfries could be a worthy target for Ratcliffe and co.