Erik ten Hag urges Manchester United to make another attempt for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in January
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged the club to make another attempt for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the January transfer window, according to Sport (h/t Daily Mail).
The Old Trafford side were after the Holland international’s signature in the summer window of 2022. Things had been agreed upon between the Red Devils and the Blaugrana. However, the 25-year-old was reluctant to leave Camp Nou.
De Jong was also not keen on a move to a team not in the Champions League. Thus, a move for the Holland international did not end up materialising.
Ten Hag was afforded a couple of midfield signings in the recent transfer window. However, the Dutch manager believes the middle of the park still lacks quality.
Subsequently, Ten Hag wishes to get De Jong at United. The Dutch manager feels the 25-year-old will be able to bring creativity and control to the engine room.
Ten Hag is already familiar with the type of player De Jong is since he managed the midfielder at Ajax. The duo had found success together in Amsterdam.
In the defeats United have suffered in the Premier League, fans have felt the middle of the park has been dominated by the opposition. Against Manchester City, the Red Devils were overrun in the engine room.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have evidently strengthened United’s midfield. However, supporters feel there is still room for improvement when it comes to the Red Devils playing under pressure and keeping a hold of the ball.
More Manchester United News
- Barcelona continue monitoring Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot with defence ‘top priority’ for Xavi
- Anthony Martial out with injury; Christian Eriksen in contention for Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte asks for patience with Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag
Is De Jong the solution for the problems in United’s engine room? Only time will tell. However, first, it remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old can be convinced to move to Manchester.
