As the dust settled on another thumping for Manchester United away at City, in the sprawling Etihad press room Erik ten Hag unconvincingly explained why he did not maximise a Portuguese-speaking five-times Champions League winner out of "big respect for his career".
Barcelona star Ronald Araujo makes Frenkie de Jong claim amid Manchester United interest
16.05.2023 - 14:45 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong has been labelled the "best midfielder in the world" by Barcelona teammate Ronald Araujo.
United agreed an €85million fee with Barcelona for De Jong and reached a verbal agreement on personal terms last summer. However, the midfielder's wage deferral stalled the deal and he eventually stayed at Camp Nou.
Although De Jong publicly pledged his commitment to Barca, United boss Erik ten Hag remains a fan of the former Ajax man.
READ MORE: Man United's remaining Premier League fixtures compared with Newcastle, Liverpool FC and rivals
De Jong and his Barca teammates sealed the La Liga title over the weekend with a 4-2 victory away to Espanyol. Robert Lewandowski's brace and goals from Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde mean Barca have a 14-point lead over Real Madrid and cannot be caught at the summit of La Liga.
After the game, De Jong spoke to the press about his side's title win in Xavi's first full season in charge, but his interview was interrupted by several Barcelona players who began to praise the Dutch midfielder. Franck Kessie and Sergi Roberto stormed in, before Ronald Araujo tapped De Jong's shoulder and spoke, claiming his teammate was the best in the world in his position.
He told Barca TV: "Here is the best midfielder in the world, Frenkie de Jong!" De Jong was praised by the Barcelona fanbase as they chanted during his post-match interview, with his teammates getting involved as they celebrated a monumental title success.
Barca boss Xavi made it clear what he thinks about the Netherlands international and his abilities earlier this season. Speaking back in March, the former Spain international labelled the 26-year-old "one of the best midfielders" in world football.
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