Former Liverpool and England midfielder John Barnes has called on Manchester United to back incoming manager Erik ten Hag in this summer's transfer window, but has warned them that they should not spend £100million to sign Frenkie de Jong.
01.05.2022 - 12:11 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Barcelona head coach Xavi has admitted that Frenkie de Jong is a "very important player" in his plans for both the here and now and for the future amid ongoing links with a move to Manchester United.
Following Erik ten Hag's appointment as United boss just over a week ago, links connecting De Jong with a move to Old Trafford have escalated. The midfielder played under Ten Hag at Ajax and was a roaring success.
He joined Barcelona from the Dutch giants in the summer of 2019, in a deal worth more than £60million. Despite joining the Spanish club as one of the most exciting, attention-grabbing youngsters in world football at the time, he has struggled to live up to expectations in La Liga.
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In 136 appearances for the club, he has netted just 13 goals and grabbed 17 assists. Furthermore, he has struggled to replicate the level of performances that he produced at Ajax.
But with United going to be under the management of Ten Hag next season, plus the fact that the club is desperate to sign a midfielder, reports connecting De Jong with a reunion with his old manager have significantly increased. However, Xavi has moved to play down the prospect of the midfielder leaving the club, outlining how he could be a valued player in what he is trying to implement at the Camp Nou.
"He has to be a player that makes the difference and he does," Xavi said. "There aren't many players with his quality in the world.
"He's the present and the future [at Barca]. He is a very important player for me.
"He's capable, strong, he gets into the box... He has had some excellent games, but he has to be consistent. We had a face-to-face chat this week and
Former Liverpool and England midfielder John Barnes has called on Manchester United to back incoming manager Erik ten Hag in this summer's transfer window, but has warned them that they should not spend £100million to sign Frenkie de Jong.
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Here are your Manchester United evening headlines for Thursday, May 12.
Manchester United are mulling over the prospect of launching a big-money move to bring Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has remained coy on the future of Manchester United loanee Amad, insisting he is unsure if he will return to the club next season.
Manchester United are weighing up a potential £75million move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Tammy Abraham has been told he can return to England if he wishes, amid Manchester United links after a very successful first year at Roma under Jose Mourinho.
Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig have no interest in selling Christopher Nkunku this summer amid ongoing links connecting him with a move to Manchester United.
AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile has revealed he has been in contact with Premier League clubs as he finds himself linked with Manchester United again.
Konrad Laimer is looking forward to being reunited with Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick when the German steps in as coach of the Austria national team. Rangnick will take on that role in conjunction with him moving upstairs as a consultant for the Old Trafford giants.
Jamie Carragher has admitted that Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has forced him to change his stance with his performances this season.