Manchester City and Manchester United are both in the midst of rebuilding their squads after enduring their most difficult seasons in years.
Pep Guardiola’s men finished third in the Premier League table and failed to win a trophy and their bitter rivals, United ended up in 15th place after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur as well.
Manchester City could make more signings and Manchester United would likely be hoping to follow suit as well, having brought Matheus Cunha in as their only summer recruit.
With Pep Guardiola eyeing the Premier League title, the pressure on City to return to their best as quickly as possible is much more in comparison to the Red Devils.
Pep Guardiola laughing on the Manchester City bench.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Gary Neville claimed he wanted Man United to sign Man City target Denzel Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries has caught Manchester City’s eye as they are believed to be in talks with Inter Milan to sign the Dutch international to replace now-Burnley defender Kyle Walker.
Dumfries would cost £21.5 million as his release clause is active only until mid-July, giving City the chance to sign one of the most in-form right-backs in the world last season.
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Speaking on The Overlap’s podcast, Stick To Football, Gary Neville admitted that he would love Manchester United to sign the 29-year-old as he would suit Ruben Amorim’s system as a wing-back: “Do you know what I kept thinking, I was thinking with United playing with their back five and the wing-backs, I was thinking about that right wing-back Dumfries, for United.”
“I’d like to see him in the Premier League. Dumfries, how good was he [in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona]? Unbelievable. He’s so good, he’s so good.”
Man City have secret advantage in Denzel Dumfries pursuit
With Pep Guardiola also playing high-flying full-backs like Ruben Amorim, perhaps Gary Neville might understand why Manchester City seem to be pursuing Dumfries’ services.
Dumfries is quick, a threat down the right flank, experienced and can play as a traditional right-back as well as in a specialised wing-back role.
Denzel Dumfries ahead of Internazionale Milano v Urawa Red Diamonds at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
When City’s supposed interest in Dumfries was reported, it was also mentioned that they share strong ties with his agent, who Gazzetta dello Sport revealed is Jorge Mendes.
Whether City actually end up signing the Serie A winner or bide their time to explore other targets remains to be seen.