Erik ten Hag has cited the absence of a deep-lying midfielder among the reasons for Manchester United's dreadful start to the season.
02.08.2022 - 09:51 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Frenkie de Jong saga shows no signs of ending anytime soon for Manchester United.
They've spent much of the summer pursuing the Barcelona midfielder, with Erik ten Hag having identified his former Ajax protégé as his main midfield target. Despite having had a fee agreed with the Catalan club, United are now approaching their 13th week of discussions as they persist in trying to get a deal over the line.
Nothing sums up the saga more than Joan Laporta’s comments on the protracted transfer. The Barcelona president has veered wildly throughout the summer with his statements on the club’s stance on De Jong.
ALSO READ: Barcelona announcement could have Frenkie de Jong knock-on effect for Manchester United
Here’s a round-up of Laporta’s ever-changing comments throughout the summer…
“Everything is open”
It was clear early on in Ten Hag’s reign that De Jong was going to be a target for the new United boss. And by the sounds of things, Barca were open to a deal all the way back in May.
"He has a lot of quality, he knows our system and he's a player we think should continue at Barca. But it's also true that he's a highly coveted player and we have had proposals from others,” Laporta said.
"Right now, everything is open. It will depend a lot on the issue of fair play."
“We are ready for that”
As the transfer window moved into June, and United’s interest in De Jong became clear, it seemed as though a move to Old Trafford appeared to be a foregone conclusion for the Netherlands international. Laporta appeared to be resigned to the situation, given Barcelona’s precarious financial standing.
“If our economic situation requires the sale of an important player, we are ready for that,” he told Marca.
“No intention of selling him”
As
Erik ten Hag has cited the absence of a deep-lying midfielder among the reasons for Manchester United's dreadful start to the season.
Former left-back Patrice Evra believes Manchester United's problems will not be solved through the method of bringing in new players ahead of the transfer window closing.
Casemiro wasn’t a player many Manchester United fans had even considered could fill their defensive midfield void until this week.
Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho once told Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro that he would become the "best central midfielder in the world" amid the Reds' interest in his signature.
Manchester United have approached Real Madrid about the possibility of signing midfielder Casemiro.
Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic has admitted that he is keen to secure some clarity on his future amid links connecting him with a move to Manchester United.
Manchester United have reportedly entered discussions with Atletico Madrid for striker Alvaro Morata.
Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United are an injury away from encountering problems in midfield and attack.
Former Manchester United centre-back Jaap Stam is confident that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will complete a move to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Manchester United are frustrated by the inordinate delay to a protracted deal for Frenkie de Jong amid Barcelona's financial issues.
As Chelsea join the race to sign Frenkie De Jong, Manchester United fans will be panicking at the prospect of one of their potential Premier League rivals for the coming season beating them to a big signing.
Barcelona have told Manchester City that they will be submitting an offer for Bernardo Silva, according to reports.
These are your Man United morning headlines on Thursday, August 4.
Manchester United are continuing with their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong as their back-up targets are not deemed to be at the same level as the Barcelona midfielder.
Manchester United are reportedly preparing their final offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Reds have been embroiled in a transfer saga with De Jong throughout the summer. In June, United agreed a fee in principle for the midfielder however since then progress has stalled.
Joan Laporta says Robert Lewandowski was always a priority target for Barcelona this summer - but also stopped short of saying the Catalans did not move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted that Frenkie de Jong could still join Manchester United, although he deemed it unlikely.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has issued a fresh update on Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong's future in Spain.