Rafael van der Vaart has urged Frenkie de Jong to sign for Manchester United and says the star midfielder is 'out of place' at Barcelona.
De Jong has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Erik ten Hag wants his former player with him at Man United ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Former Premier League ace Van der Vaart reckons the 25-year-old should leave Barca for Man United.
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The ex-Tottenham man believes De Jong is 'out of place' in Xavi's team because of the current players the manager has at his disposal.
Asked about De Jong's potential switch to Man United, Van der Vaart told Ziggo Sport: "That is of course the most ideal. Then you have a trainer who knows exactly what you can and cannot do.
"And United still need a little quality."
The 39-year-old added: "There are players who can do the same and maybe be better than you or have performed more.
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"As long as those other players are there, he is out of place at Barcelona. At United he could play more like with the Dutch national team. Then he’s the only one of his kind."
Ten Hag and De Jong worked together during their time at Ajax, with the new Man United boss hoping to lure him to the club.
Barca are thought to be looking to sell the Dutch international due to their dire financial situation.
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Ten Hag hopes to snap up De Jong as part of his Man United rebuild.
De Jong has been with the La Liga outfit for three years and has recently starred for Netherlands during the international break.
He produced a midfield masterclass against Belgium and helped his side to a win over Wales last Wednesday.
Featured Image Credit: Ziggo Sport/AlamyTopics: Frenkie De Jong, Football, Manchester United, Rafael van der Vaart
