Man Utd refuse to give up on signing Frenkie de Jong as Erik ten Hag plots another bid to reunite with ex-Ajax star in January

United have had a poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag with the Dutchman having been heavily linked with an early season sack. However, INEOS and the Red Devils’ top brass have reportedly backed Ten Hag to stay on as the manager. United have mainly struggled in the middle of the field this season with Casemiro and new signing Manuel Ugarte struggling.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per SPORT, Ten Hag has demanded the signing of Barcelona’s De Jong, who formerly played under him at Ajax. United have already shown interest in the Dutch midfielder’s services over the last two years as Ten Hag is said to be a big fan of the 27-year-old. The Red Devils are now looking to make a move for him yet again in January as De Jong’s place in Hansi Flick’s side remains a major question mark.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  De Jong recently returned to action after a protracted injury absence but has not received a lot of playing time with Marc Casado, Pedri and Eric Garcia getting the nod ahead of him in Flick’s double pivot. With Gavi, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez returning to action soon, it is possible that the Dutchman may ride further down the pecking order and as such a potential move away could be an enticing option for both club and player.

• WHAT NEXT FOR DE JONG?

  The Dutchman is expected to be in Barcelona’s squad for their clash against Sevilla on Sunday, October 20. However, whether the midfielder will be given his first start of the season remains to be seen.