Manchester United have started looking into shaping up the squad in the winter transfer window already. The Premier League heavyweights are said to be prepping a bold transfer for Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco, according to the latest report by Football Transfers. Ruben Amorim is said to admire the 27-year-old.
Dimarco has been a target at M16 as far back as last winter. (h/t Il Napolista)
We have seen in games this season how Patrick Dorgu has been a bit of a weak link on that left flank. And the Portuguese head coach is desperate to upgrade and cement all the cracks in his roster as pressure from the outside continues to mount.
But Inter are not really keen to sell Dimarco. And given that he is an integral part of the roster, complemented by his contract that runs until 2027, the chiefs at Carrington will have to try hard to grab his signatures.
And recent reports suggest that it will take United to offer a sum around €65 million (or similar) to convince Inter to listen. But if Dimarco is really a target this winter, then it will be a big statement from United despite the tough start to the campaign.
Why signing Dimarco is a smart move for United
United’s left wing‑back/left defensive flank has looked underwhelming. If we are to speak in the current 3‑4‑2‑1 system that Amorim has deployed, the wing‑backs have been tasked with a few things. They have to maintain width while supporting the forward line in the final third and then come in with some whipped balls in the box for someone like Sesko (something United have failed to provide this season).
And in Dimarco, you get someone who gives you world‑class delivery every time he pushes forward. He has that creativity and is an absolute menace from free kicks. Then he has that experience to step in immediately, which Man Utd desperately needs.
Given that he is in his peak at the moment, United would have time to maximise his best years. He could possibly be used as a launchpad for rotations within a couple of years or so. But now, given the ambition that the fans hold for the side, bringing in someone of Dimarco’s pedigree will add flair as well as tactical flexibility to the side.
Strengths
One thing about the 27-year-old is that he is an absolute asset from dead ball situations. Be it free kicks or long shots. He has that accuracy when hitting from a distance.
And then he also uses such similar accuracy when delivering into a box from wide (United could use a lot of it given how Sesko is not getting any deliveries where he can charge).
He is also someone who is quite attacking-minded, like Dorgu. He likes to overlap and go on those forward adventures. Dimarco has that ability to support when he is moving high up the pitch.
If signing Dimarco, Amorim is also getting someone who has played in high-stakes games and has tested himself against some of the best. United very much need that experience right now.
Weaknesses
With Dimarco, we spoke a lot about his forward adventures. This also always has a lot of fans talking and pointing to his reliability when it comes to the defensive side of things. At times he needs backup trackers.
Then you’d also see him struggle a bit against more physical and pacey opponents (especially in 1v1s).
Then there comes a whole set of questions around if he can adapt his game in the Premier League. Given that he will be facing players and teams who will be lining up in a way to tap into his weaknesses week in, week out.
Author Opinion
This is one of the transfers which, if played on the strengths of the system (and the incoming player), could end up being a smart move.
Let me be honest, I don’t think Dimarco is a perfect fit in every sense at Old Trafford. That being said, this team needs more magic and numbers from those wide/back positions, especially when the system demands overlap and offensive support.
Yet, the fee will also be expected to be high. And given the recent history, this is where United have to be a little more careful. We don’t want to bring in a player who is again on luxury time with massive wages.
Do you think United should sign Dimarco? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.