Erik ten Hag ‘has asked Manchester United to renew efforts to land Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong’

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will try and push the club to make another attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong in January, according to reports.

The Red Devils pursued the Barcelona midfielder throughout the summer transfer window but were unable to get the deal over the line.

It looked like the move had been done at one point after United agreed a £63million fee with Barcelona.

But De Jong’s reluctance to leave the Nou Camp, along with significant complications with the Spanish giant’s finances including disputes over unpaid wages to the Dutchman, meant the move failed to happen.

Manchester United will make another move to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong

De Jong was reportedly unwilling to move to a club not in the Champions League, with Ten Hag’s side competing in the Europa League this season.

However, according to Spanish outlet Sport, the United boss has asked the club to make another attempt to sign the playmaker in January.

It is believed although promising progress has been made by the Red Devils following their disastrous start to the campaign that saw them endure damaging defeats against Brighton and Brentford, Ten Hag believes he lacks quality in midfield.

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United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly sees De Jong as a potential difference-maker to his squad

Despite the signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, both who have endured bright starts at the club, De Jong is seen as a different type of player by Ten Hag – and one he wants. 

The report states that De Jong is viewed as someone who can improve United’s creativity and control within games – a point that Ten Hag believes is necessary if the club are going to compete for titles again. 

However, like in the summer, the struggle for Ten Hag, who managed De Jong at Ajax, will be convincing the midfielder to leave Barcelona.

Finances are not thought to be an issue, but De Jong has previously highlighted his reluctance to leave the Catalan giants. 

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both joined the club in the summer and have begun their Old Trafford careers well but Dutch midfielder De Jong is seen as a different type of player

United’s hopes will be raised by the fact Barcelona are almost certain to be eliminated from the Champions League.

Similarly, with De Jong’s lack of gametime – the Dutchman has made just five starts in all competitions so far this season, the Red Devils will fancy their chances of convincing the midfielder to make the move.

Nevertheless, it is expected that De Jong will want to stay at the club until at least the summer, while Chelsea and Bayern Munich are also likely to rival United for his signature.