Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is still a major fan of Frenkie de Jong, and he has admitted that the Barcelona star would improve any team in the world.
De Jong rose to the top of United’s list of transfer targets last summer as the club explored a deal to bring the midfielder and the manager back together at Old Trafford after their success at Ajax.
However, no agreement was reached, and in the end, United focused on Casemiro, acquiring the Brazilian international from Real Madrid in August.
De Jong, whose future at Camp Nou was uncertain in the summer, has played a key role under Xavi this season and is set to start Thursday’s Europa League play-off match against Manchester United.
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Even after weeks of intense negotiations, United was unable to persuade Barcelona to sell De Jong. It was also believed that de Jong preferred to stay in Barcelona.
United is still interested in signing the Dutch star, and Ten Hag has openly praised the midfielder’s success on the field. As reported by the Metro, the gaffer said:
“I think the class of 2019 [at Ajax] was a team that had a lot of fascination and he brought a lot of that fascination. I think he has developed in the years after here in Spain, he became even better.”
“He is a fantastic player playing out from the back, you always have time so it was a pleasure to work with him. Frenkie is an incredibly good player and for every club in the world, he will strengthen the squad because he has unique qualities. so if you can get him in your squad your team will be stronger.”
The Red Devils decided to sign Casemiro after failing to sign De Jong. However, the £60 million signing proved to be a game-changing one for United.
Ten Hag has relied heavily on the Brazilian star. He has been a defensive shield, and his contribution in the midfield region has helped the club rise to the third spot in the league table.
United will try to lure De Jong again this summer, but it is highly unlikely that the player will leave Camp Nou anytime soon.
