Manchester United are approaching the signing of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong with boss Erik ten Hag ready to make him an important part of his team’s midfield.
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Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag sees Frenkie de Jong as the solution to the club’s midfield lack of creativity.
It has been suggested that the Dutchman will become the Red Devils’ first arrival of the summer, and indeed the tenure of compatriot Ten Hag at Old Trafford. United have long been linked with the Barcelona star, although it remains to be seen whether they will be able to successfully negotiate an agreement with the Catalan giants.
The Red Devils have rejected their first offer of 60 million pounds for Barça. Despite this setback, United knew that the Catalans would probably reject the offer, but they are ready to return with an improved offer, as Ten Hag is focusing on making De Jong his first signing as head of United.
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If he succeeds, the Dutchman has a very specific mission for De Jong. According to The Telegraph, Ten Hag has identified a lack of creativity in the midfield as a major weakness in the current workforce.
Of course, there has already been a review in the middle of United Park this summer. Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic have left Old Trafford for new pastures, leaving Scott McTominay, Fred and Bruno Fernandes as the club’s midfield options for the 2022/23 season.
While Fernandes has remained impressive since his move to Sporting Lisbon, McTominay and Fred have struggled to show a consistent attacking intention to increase their defensive work, with only 13 goal contributions between them last season. Fred made 10 of them.
Frenkie de Jong is expected to bring more creativity to Manchester United (
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Getty Images)
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Donny van de Beek could play another role when he returns to the club after a brief stint with Everton, having thrived under Ten Hag during the pair’s success with Dutch side Ajax. However, De Jong will almost certainly improve these options, having impressed constantly with the Eredivisie and Barcelona.
The 25-year-old scored four goals and five assists for the Catalan giants last season. His potential boss, Ten Hag, has previously suggested that his composure and passing ability are the best aspects of his game, traits that would certainly benefit United.
“He’s always calm and always has the solution,” Ten Hag told UEFA about De Jong in 2019. “He scans so well he always knows how to move forward. You can hardly put him under pressure, that’s such a great gift.”
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