United must resist urge to sign bargain veteran to keep path clear for promising stars of tomorrow – opinion

Manchester United and numerous clubs around Europe have been presented with the opportunity to sign Inter Milan wing back Denzel Dumfries.

Fabrizio Romano has recently posted on X that the Dutchman’s release clause has been lowered to €25 million until the middle of July.

🚨🇳🇱 More on Denzel Dumfries’ release clause at Inter.

€25m fee, mandatory to be paid in one solution, only valid until mid July.

🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/UKO0wMP177 pic.twitter.com/jQRYstTN8d

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2025

There is no doubt that Dumfries certainly ticks some boxes for the Red Devils.

He is player who has been on the club’s radar for some time as he was regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford in the Erik ten Hag years.

The wing back would also fit Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation like a glove as he would provide immense energy and attacking threat down United’s right hand side and could potentially wreak havoc with Bryan Mbeumo, should the Red Devils finally agree a fee with Brentford.

Dumfries’ statistics back this up as he scored 11 goals and provided six assists in all competitions last year. This included an outstanding performance against Barcelona during the Champions League semi-final, where he scored two goals and provided three assists over the two legs.

Nonetheless, this is not a deal that United should pursue.

Dumfries’ age

There is no question that the Netherlands international is a physical specimen but age catches up with everyone.

The wingback is 29 years old and his game is very connected to his incredible engine. Added into the mixture is that the Premier League is a much more fearsome physical beast in comparison to Serie A, it is logical that his impact will lessen.

He would certainly add immense experience to a fresh-faced backline but United do not need another ageing star after years of making these mistakes on repeat.

Where would Amad play?

United struggled badly for most of last season but one of the few rays of hope was Amad.

The Ivorian destroyed numerous teams down the right hand side and has looked most at home in Amorim’s system as a right wing back.

In addition, with the signing of Matheus Cunha and the likely addition of Mbeumo, the number 10 slots at Old Trafford look rather crowded.

Were Dumfries to be signed, Amad may struggle to find a place in the team and after years of being benched and suffering injuries, what he needs most of all next year are games to continue his development.

It must also be remembered that United will only play domestic games next season, lessening their work load significantly.

Blocking Jaydan Kamason’s path

United already have an outstanding young right wing back talent in their youth system and his name is Jaydan Kamason.

The Carrington staff have waxed lyrical over the potential of last season’s FA Youth Cup star and he will surely be keen to make a strong impression on Amorim and his staff over this pre-season.

With Amad being the starting right wing back, Kamason can also add youthful energy and attacking threat when called upon. Were Dumfries to sign, it would effectively end his Old Trafford senior career before it even started.

Dumfries’ weaknesses

Finally, Dumfries is a very good player but he is far from perfect.

The Athletic conclude that although “his physical assets undoubtedly help him defensively, he is not a proficient tackler and can often get caught out of position in transition.”

Adding to this, he is also a weak passer and at 29 years old, he is unlikely to markedly improve on any of these skills.

All in all, whilst moving for Dumfries at a bargain price is obviously tempting, United should keep their powder dry and trust the young hopefuls already in the Old Trafford dressing room.

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