Wright and Neville exchanged opinions at the Euros (Image: ITV)
Manchester United target Denzel Dumfries ignited a heated discussion between football pundits Ian Wright and Gary Neville during Euro 2024. The 28-year-old Dutch defender, who is on Erik Ten Hag’s summer wishlist, could potentially replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford, following reports of a possible exchange deal.
Wan-Bissaka, 26, who made 22 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last season, has reportedly rejected a move to West Ham. However, with his contract due to expire next summer, he could then leave on a free transfer.
While United have been linked with other players such as Jeremie Frimpong and Vanderson, their current focus appears to be on Inter Milan man Dumfries. The defender played at Euro 2024 and sparked controversy, though, leading to a debate between Wright and Neville during England’s semi-final match against the Netherlands.
Harry Kane was awarded a penalty in the 18th minute after Dumfries caught him on the foot, despsite referee Felix Zwayer initially seeing nothing in Dumfries’ collision with the England captain. After reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor, a spot kick was given to Gareth Southgate’s team, largely due to VAR’s intervention.
England supporters around the globe were overjoyed when their team, who were trailing 1-0 due to a stunning early goal from Xavi Simons, were awarded the lifeline – but pundits watching the match expressed strong disapproval of the referee’s controversial call. Neville slammed it as a “disgraceful decision”, saying: “There’s no way that was a penalty.
“He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me. You have to take your luck though.” However, Wright took an opposing view, describing Dumfries’ tackle as “reckless” before elaborating: “When you look at the way penalties are given now and the way the game is when we go to VAR, that was reckless.”
The Inter Milan man could be on his way to Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)
Ex-Manchester United captain Neville countered: “Reckless? That is not reckless. Oh my God,” only for Wright to hold his ground: “But Gary, he’s given it. That’s why we’ve got VAR. If that was anywhere else on the pitch you’d get a foul for it!”
ITV commentator Lee Dixon, meanwhile, sided with Neville. He said: “I would be astonished if this was given. I’m pleased, don’t get me wrong. But from a defender’s point of view, you have to challenge for the ball. They both go in for the ball. It’s a split second. I don’t think that’s a penalty, but I don’t care. I really don’t care.”
United have also been eyeing up Noussair Mazraoui as a possible replacement for Wan-Bissaka, given the full-back’s uncertain future with Bayern Munich, as well as his experience under Erik Ten Hag at Ajax. West Ham were favourites to sign the 26-year-old after reaching an agreement with Bayern and the player, but a transfer is now off, according to reports in Germany on Friday, due to agent issues.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1928258/Denzel-Dumfries-Gary-Neville-Ian-Wright-Man-Utd