United We Stand Editor and trusted journalist Andy Mitten says he has still had no indication that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is interested in joining the Red Devils.
Erik ten Hag’s side have reportedly agreed a €85m (£71m) fee for the Dutchman, but a pay dispute between the player and Barca has slowed down negotiations. However, even if a resolution is found, Mitten has played down hopes that a switch to United will happen:
“I’ve not been given any evidence that Frenkie de Jong wants to join Manchester United. Player is happy there. Barcelona wants to sell him. It’s a really unedifying and complex situation. I still think he’ll probably move. Barça would love more suitors and I’m sure De Jong won’t put United on top of his list, should he leave Barcelona and go somewhere else. That’s the reality of the situation.”
Fans on Twitter are increasingly pessimistic about the club’s chances of securing de Jong’s signature, and many feel that it may be time to move on to other targets:
He’ll go to Chelsea
— Mattx (@ThatMattx) July 28, 2022
We are chasing our tails here
— Henry (@Henry_091191) July 28, 2022
Wasted too much time this summer and it’ll be embarrassing if he doesn’t sign for us
— David (@David03277673) July 28, 2022
I would love him to come to United but if he goes elsewhere then I don’t blame him. I would hate to see him playing for Barca next season for the way he’s been treated.
— Marky G (@ManUtdSince1983) July 28, 2022
I really think he won’t come 😕
— Neil T (@Neil_T420) July 28, 2022
rinse n repeat
— 🕷 (@Crixtics) July 28, 2022
It’s a very complicated situation as Mitten points out. Barcelona want to sell de Jong but they are not willing to pay what the player feels he is owed in terms of wages.
A transfer is still looking like the most likely scenario but the fact that the player’s first choice isn’t United does suggest the club should seriously be considering alternatives.
