A story involving Frenkie de Jong and a free Mercedes car should give Manchester United fans an insight into the midfielder's 'humble' character ahead of a possible move.
The 25-year-old Dutch international has been strongly linked with a transfer to Old Trafford this summer.
After expressing an interest in signing the former Ajax midfielder, United submitted an opening bid of £51.3 million plus bonuses to Barcelona for the player's services.
That bid was swiftly turned down by the Spanish side. In fact, United hit back with a second bid of £56 million on Thursday but again, that offer was rejected, claim Marca.
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Erik ten Hag, who spent three years coaching De Jong during his time at Ajax, is clearly a huge fan of the midfielder
Back in April, it was reported that De Jong would be one of Ten Hag's 'priority targets' when he takes over and at one stage, he was calling him 'every day' to discuss a possible move.
Ten Hag clearly wants a character like De Jong to give the Old Trafford dressing room a boost ahead of the new campaign.
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And a story told by the player's father, John, should give fans an insight into his personality.
"That mindset is probably why he joined Ajax," his father John said in a 2019 interview with Medium.
"After signing a contract in Amsterdam, he got a Mercedes from the club. But when he showed it, he felt embarrassed. I call him Scrooge McDuck sometimes. He earns a lot, but rarely spends.
"He just signed his contract and asked me: do you want a new car? I didn’t want to, because I drive a Suzuki and it’s top, but he did give me and his mother a little envelope.
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"It was a wonderful moment," John added. "He lives on himself right now and has bought a house in Amsterdam with his girlfriend. When he has some free time, he comes over."
John went on to tell another story about the time De Jong visited his grandparents after winning a trophy.
"When he had won a trophy and went to visit grandpa and grandma, he left the trophy in the car," he said. "He thought it was too 'showy.’ No prima donna attitude, only a helpful human being."
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Back in April, John de Jong said weather conditions in Manchester could play a part in the possible transfer going ahead.
“It’s often bad weather there," he told Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad (AD). "Of course it’s about football, but it does matter.
"Of course I know that Barcelona needs money and a great offer for Frenkie could help, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Although, the five top European clubs have all called.”
Do you think De Jong would be a good signing for Erik ten Hag's Manchester United?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Instagram - frenkiedejongTopics: Frenkie De Jong, Barcelona, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester United, Premier League
