Manchester United could avoid repeating their summer transfer mistake by targeting a move for Inter Milan star Federico Dimarco. Deadline day passed on Tuesday without United welcoming a new left-back.
It leaves Luke Shaw short of backup or competition for his place in Michael Carrick’s side. The 31-year-old featured in all 38 league games last term but United face a more demanding campaign this time around as they return to the Champions League.
Summer targets unavailable
United held interest in Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall but both targets were unavailable. The Reds were also linked with a move for Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde but no agreement materialised.
United boss Carrick has preferred to use Patrick Dorgu further forward, while 19-year-old Harry Amass is inexperienced. Right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are the only other senior full-backs at the club’s disposal, meaning the left-back position still needs addressing, and Dimarco could prove to be a solution in the near future.
Dimarco's contract situation
While United will not be able to fix the issue immediately, the Reds can begin planning ahead. With his contract currently set to expire in 2027, Inter defender Dimarco could potentially be available as a free agent next summer.
The 28-year-old is widely considered one of the world’s best left-backs, clocking up 236 appearances for Inter during a successful period for the Italian giants. The Italy international has clinched two Serie A titles and twice played in Champions League finals during his eight years with the club.
Often deployed as a wingback, Dimarco was pivotal to Cristian Chivu’s title-winning side last term, scoring seven goals and remarkably providing 18 assists in 35 league games. Although slotting into a back four at United would force him to adapt his game, he would clearly bring an attacking edge to Carrick's side from full-back.
Potential transfer routes
Given that Dimarco is in the final year of his contract, United could secure his services for next season through a pre-contract agreement once he enters the final six months of his deal. Alternatively, a bargain could be struck for a cut-price fee in January if Inter are reluctant to lose him for free.
Targeting Dimarco would represent a departure from United’s preference for younger left-back targets. However, Shaw is also in the final year of his contract at United.
With both players in similar situations, Dimarco could either arrive as direct competition for Shaw or as his experienced replacement. The Italian ace is almost two-and-a-half years younger than the England international, while taking Shaw’s place in the squad would also allow United to reignite their interest in the likes of Hall and Lewis-Skelly.
For now, Carrick will have to place his faith in Shaw remaining fully fit. The experienced defender has started each of United’s first two games and will be looking to produce another impressive season for the Reds.
However, questions remain about United’s lack of backup options. The chance to sign a world-class left-back in Dimarco as a free agent is not an opportunity that the club should easily overlook.
