'Preference was Man Utd': Title winner wanted to join Red Devils after rejecting Aston Villa - report

Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries wanted to join Manchester United this summer after turning down a proposal from Aston Villa, according to Corriere dello Sport (page 14).

The Netherlands international has been with the Nerazzurri for the past three years, but there was regular speculation that he could leave the club during the recent transfer window.

Villa made an approach for the right-back, but Dumfries was not interested in joining them.

Instead, his ‘preference was Manchester United’. His agent and intermediaries tried to push through a move to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils opted against pursuing a deal.

United eventually went on to sign Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich to reinforce the right-back department following Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s move to West Ham United.

Dumfries is now expected to put pen-to-paper on a new contract at San Siro. His current deal expires in June 2025, but he has reached a preliminary agreement over a renewal.

United made right decision on Dumfries

Dumfries has been constantly linked with the Red Devils since manager Erik ten Hag’s appointment.

The Athletic confirmed this summer that Dumfries was analysing the possibility of moving to Old Trafford. However, United had different plans in mind and preferred to sign Mazraoui.

In our view, the right decision was made in the end. Dumfries has operated as a right wing-back since his move to the Nerazzurri. He has occasionally played at right-back for his country.

The Serie A winner has impressed with his attacking traits such as overlapping runs and key passes into the box, but there have been concerns over him defensively due to his positioning.

United may have put this into consideration. Meanwhile, Dumfries is 28 and 17 months older than Mazraoui. The lack of a resale value may have come into discussion too.

Mazraoui seems the right acquisition for the club this summer. The 26-year-old played under Ten Hag at Ajax for four seasons and seems to have already adapted to the tactics.

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