Erik ten Hag has downplayed Manchester United’s interest in Frenkie de Jong, saying that if the team does not sign him, he is content with his present midfielders.
De Jong has been linked with United throughout the summer, and they have even reached an agreement on a transfer fee with Barcelona. However, the Dutchman prefers to join Chelsea, and a United hierarchy member has even stated that De Jong has rejected a move to Old Trafford.
The fact that manager Xavi wants to keep De Jong at the Catalan giants and that Barcelona still owes him roughly €17 million (£14 million) as compensation for agreeing to defer part of his salary to aid the club’s financial predicament further complicates the matter.
Paul Pogba left United for Juventus this summer, Jesse Lingard moved to Nottingham Forest, while Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata also left as part of the team’s restructuring for the 2022–23 season.
In an effort to improve on their sixth-place finish from the previous season, they have added former Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen from Brentford, but they still have significant gaps in that position going into their Sunday Premier League opening against Brighton.
If they do not complete a move for De Jong as he attempts to lead them back into the Champions League spots, new manager Ten Hag is content with his present group.
“We desire Frenkie?” He told reporters on Friday, “I don’t know. “No, look, there are plenty of the right players.
However, I am unable to remark on a player who is contracted to another team. We’ll let you know when we have news.
Ten Hag responded, “Then you work with the present group, and you develop players who are in your current squad,” when asked what would happen if De Jong did not sign with United.
We currently have guys in that position, and they do a great job.
The ability to complete transfers would be ideal, but I am content with the squad as it is.
“I am pleased with the signings so far. Together, we are working. I like the team we have now, and we need the proper players.
Midfielders Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, and Fred are also in the United team.
Other, less well-known players include James Garner, Hannibal Mejbri, Amad Diallo, and Facundo Pellistri.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Anthony Martial will miss Sunday’s match against Brighton due to injury, but the United manager would not confirm if Cristiano Ronaldo will start.