As the red devils continue to struggle, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure to find the right midfield combination to turn their season around. Despite throwing away a lead in a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League, the team’s midfield has been a major source of concern, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both well past their best.
The departure of Scott McTominay has only exacerbated the issue, leaving youngster Kobbie Mainoo and new signing Manuel Ugarte to pick up the pieces. The stats tell a troubling tale, with Casemiro struggling to make an impact (7 starts, 0 goals, 0 assists), while Ugarte has managed only 2 starts, scoring zero goals and providing zero assists.
But all may not be lost, with reports emerging from Spain that Barcelona are willing to cash in on midfielder Frenkie De Jong at a discounted price. De Jong, a player that ten Hag has consistently praised and desperately wanted to sign in the summer, is said to be available for 70m euros (£58m), with the Dutchman falling down the pecking order at Camp Nou due to the emergence of younger players like Pedri, Gavi, and Marc Casado.
The prospect of signing De Jong is a tantalizing one for United, who believe the 27-year-old would be the perfect fit for their style of play. In his Ajax days, De Jong knows exactly what it takes to be a successful midfielder, and ten Hag was effusive in his praise for him after a match against Barcelona in 2022: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality.”
Despite the obstacles, it’s clear that De Jong is a player ten Hag needs at his disposal, and the fact that Barcelona are willing to discount their asking price could be the making of United’s season. With time running out for the manager to turn things around, the prospect of signing De Jong could be the key to unlocking the potential of his players and transforming the team’s fortunes.
