“You’d want a goalkeeper”: United great thinks club should pass on €25m deal for “aggressive” defender – exclusive

Former Manchester United right back Paul Parker has questioned whether INEOS should trigger the €25 million release clause for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, even though he admits he’s “a very, very good full back.”

Inter agreed to put the release cause in the Dutchman’s contract for the first two weeks of July. As a player who has been linked with United persistently over the last two seasons or so, INEOS could be tempted to try to lure Dumfries to Old Trafford.

United need his tenacity and physicality

“He’s very physical, he’s tenacious,” Parker said in an exclusive interview with The Peoples Person courtesy of Gameshub.

“[United] just haven’t got anything like that really. And if they have got someone like that, it doesn’t happen week in, week out.”

However, Parker is not convinced that Dumfries would fit in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

“He’s quite aggressive, but he’s more of a full-back like myself, he’s a natural defender.

“If it was to sign him, I would say yes. But where’s he going to play if the manager’s still adamant that he wants to play three at the back?”

Goalkeeper more of a priority

“I really don’t see him as an out-and-out wing-back in that role. I see him more defence first, so it’ll be interesting.”

The former England man also wonders whether United’s other priorities would leave little cash left to pursue Dumfries.

“You’d want the centre forward,” he said. “And then, I don’t think they’re going to do it, but you’d want a goalkeeper.”

United have little over a week left to make their move for Dumfries.

Neighbours Manchester City would appear to have stolen a march on their rivals and shown an interest already, while early frontrunners Barcelona have reportedly decided against pursuing the 29 year old’s signature.

Featured image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social