The Manchester derby once again ended in favour of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men secured a 3-0 win at the Etihad on Sunday.
Phil Foden struck first, before Erling Haaland added two more to finish the job.
For United, it was another frustrating day. Ruben Amorim’s side have collected only four points from four matches. They are sitting in 14th place, already under early pressure.
But while the two clubs clashed on the pitch, attention is also turning to the transfer market. Both are looking at the same player. And both believe he could strengthen their defence.
According to Football Insider, Manchester United and Manchester City are monitoring an Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries.
The defender is out of contract in 2026, and his situation has alerted Premier League clubs.
Last summer, Dumfries had a £21.5m release clause. No club triggered it, and that clause has now expired. That means Inter would demand a sizeable fee to let him go.
Even so, the player himself has admitted that a Premier League move appeals to him. Liverpool were also linked during the last window.
But instead of pursuing Dumfries, the champions signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. That left the defender in Milan for at least another season.
Now, the race looks set to be fought between Manchester clubs. For Guardiola, there are some doubts. His staff believes the player’s age profile could be a concern.
Dumfries turns 30 next April. Still, his record in Serie A and on the European stage makes him a proven option.
For United, the need is greater. Amorim’s defence has looked vulnerable. Adding an experienced player like Dumfries with pace down the flank could offer an immediate boost.
The Netherlands international has been a key figure at Inter since arriving in 2021.
And with his future uncertain, the two Manchester rivals could soon go head-to-head for the signature of Denzel Dumfries.
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
