According to Diario Sport in Spain (via The Mirror), incoming Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag wants Frenkie de Jong to be the focal point of his Old Trafford transformation.
Currently with Ajax Amsterdam, the Dutchman will take over the Red Devils at the end of the current season. Despite not having officially assumed command, ten Hag appears to be making plans for the summer.
If this season has taught us anything, it is that a complete overhaul is required to return Man United to the top of English football. It will be a long-term initiative with recruitment as a main engine, and it will not be a quick fix.
De Jong has been chosen by ten Hag to lead his Man United resurgence. The two collaborated at Ajax and had a lot of success in the Eredivisie. The midfielder eventually transferred to Barcelona and is content in his new surroundings.
The player, on the other hand, could be convinced to leave La Liga for a career in Manchester. The 24-year-old Dutch international is an accomplished midfielder who can control the game from the center of the field. Given the lack of such a trait in the Red Devils' midfield, Ten Hag's interest in him is reasonable.
Barcelona, on the other hand, is still desperate to keep the player and may press Man United to make a move. De Jong has established himself as a regular under Xavi Hernandez and appears to be an important part of the Catalan club's long-term aspirations. It remains to be seen whether Man United would throw money at the problem in order to get their way.
At the Theatre of Dreams, ten Hag appears to be planning a bigger part for de Jong. It's been recommended that the 24-year-old be given the captain's armband and positioned as the team's rebuilding focal point. Harry Maguire, the captain of Manchester United, has earned the faith of both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. However, major issues regarding his personal ability and leadership qualities must be posed. Whether we acquire de Jong or not, Maguire's grip on the armband appears to be slipping.
For Ten Hag, the midfield is a big worry heading into the 2022/23 season. Nemanja Matic is expected to quit United, while Paul Pogba's future is uncertain. Scott McTominay and Fred are both limited in midfield and might benefit from more competition, while Bruno Fernandes can be annoying at times. De Jong will provide the Red Devils with a midfield commander who can assist dictate the tempo. Such a player is essential for ten Hag's system, and it remains to be seen whether Man United will be able to sign him. However, if Man United fails to qualify for the Champions League, which now appears to be a very possible scenario, it will be intriguing to see if the ex-Ajax star returns.