Manchester United’s pursuit of Frenkie de Jong over the recent transfer window was frustrating to say the least and it ended in typical fashion for the Old Trafford club.
Erik ten Hag had earmarked the Dutch midfielder as his prime target as he eyed a complete revamp of United’s midfield but with weeks remaining of the window, it was becoming increasingly clear that De Jong had no intention of joining the Reds.
With their failure all but confirmed, United switched their attention to Real Madrid star Casemiro, who joined and was unveiled in front of a raucous Old Trafford crowd ahead of the 2-1 win over Liverpool in August.
It has, however, been reported that De Jong remains in United’s plans and they are still considering a move for the Dutchman in the future.
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After making the decision to stay in Barcelona, despite his club’s best efforts to seal a transfer, it’s now being suggested that De Jong is unhappy with his current situation.
That’s according to Spanish publication SPORT, who say that part of De Jong’s decision to stay was down to his belief that manager Xavi Hernandez would rely on him.
With two months of the season gone, that has not been the case. Xavi has not used De Jong in any of the big games, with youngsters Pedri and Gavi often preferred.
As per the report, De Jong’s objective is to be successful at Barcelona and play more often but if this pattern continues to repeat itself, he will finally consider an exit from the Catalan outfit.
SN’s verdict…
United are slowly but surely improving under Ten Hag and you can already see embryos of what the manager is trying to do, with midfield certainly at the forefront of his thinking.
He may have missed out on his prime target but he still has good midfielders to work with. Casemiro, the big-money signing, is, however, 30 and will need to be replaced after a few years.
United will look at De Jong and see him as a long-term signing and if the opportunity arises in the next transfer window, they would be silly not to pounce. United will be desperate to avoid another drawn-out saga, however.
