One of Erik ten Hag’s first tasks as Manchester United’s new manager was to reinvigorate the midfielder after losing several big names in the summer.
The Dutchman had singled out Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong as the ideal candidate, someone who can control the pace of the game with his crisp passing while also being adept on the defensive end.
De Jong’s saga lasted more than three months and included many twists and turns. Ultimately, a combination of deferred wages and the player’s desire to stay behind meant that United were unable to complete the deal despite agreeing a fee with the Catalan giants.
FDJ fighting at Barça
The Red Devils ended up bringing in Christian Eriksen for free and Real Madrid star Casemiro and the duo have settled in quite well.
The same cannot be said for the Dutch midfielder. Since the new season began, he has failed to become a regular in Xavi’s plans with the first team and rumors of a possible sale next summer have already started to sound.
According to SPORT, the Dutch international is “disgusted” with his current situation, having only started three times in the league.
To make matters worse, Xavi prefers the triumvirate of Sergio Busquests, Gavi and Pedri at the time of the most important matches.
He was not a starter against Sevilla in LaLiga or against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the Champions League. It seems increasingly unlikely that he will start in El Clasico next.
The report adds that “Manchester United have been holding contacts with the Catalan giants and will be open to making a deal next summer as Ten Hag still sees his compatriot as a crucial component of his project.
Utd ready to jump
Xavi doesn’t think De Jong can fill the shoes of Busquets and hence the club could be open to a sale next June if things don’t improve.
The 25-year-old, for his part, remains determined to succeed in the Camp Nou team but is aware of his current reality.
If the former Ajax player continues to be ignored ahead of the World Cup, his “discontent will increase”, increasing the probability of a move next summer.
Ten Hag knows the importance of having a ball-playing midfielder in his ranks and would ask the club to seek the signing of their former player once again.
Fans will be wary of the deal after enduring three months of misleading reports and the club’s package of a seemingly easy deal.
