Louis van Gaal doubts Frenkie de Jong's transfer to Man Utd.

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal appeared to question Frenkie de Jong's decision to stay at Barcelona this summer, expressing concern about his playing time.

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has questioned Frenkie de Jong's decision to stay at Barcelona in the face of interest from the Red Devils.

United's pursuit of De Jong was the summer window's longest-running transfer saga, and despite making a breakthrough in the deal, the Dutch international ace ultimately remained at Camp Nou.

Despite reports that the player had cleared out his locker at the club, this was not the case. United manager Erik ten Hag coached the midfielder at Ajax and called him this summer to persuade him to join his project at Old Trafford. United agreed to a £56.2 million transfer fee with Barcelona to sign the midfielder, but no agreement was reached.

De Jong is Barcelona's top player, but he does not start for Xavi Hernandez. Despite being fully fit for each game, he has only started four of the club's eight matches this season across all competitions.

The former Ajax star has found himself as a rotational player in the club's plethora of midfield options, with Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi, and Franck Kessie among the others.

Van Gaal, speaking just two months before the World Cup begins in Qatar, has now suggested that the star made a mistake by staying at a club where he would not be a regular starter this season.

"It's true that many players called me during the transfer window," Van Gaal said at a press conference on Tuesday. 'This is my suggestion, but you make your own decision,' I always said at the end of every conversation.

"I am pleased with the outcome." But I'd prefer it if Frenkie and Memphis played more than they do now."

The Netherlands finish their Nations League campaign this month with matches against Poland and Belgium, their final matches before the World Cup in Qatar. Van Gaal's side has been drawn in Group A, alongside host nation Qatar, Ecuador, and African champions Senegal.

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