"We want Frenkie?" - Erik ten Hag jokes about De Jong links in Manchester United press conference

Erik ten Hag showed his humour in his latest press conference when asked about Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

Manchester United face Brighton on Sunday in their first Premier League fixture under the new manager.

He was tasked with media duties on Friday afternoon, where Cristiano Ronaldo was the talk of the town.

However, it was inevitable that United's transfer business was also brought up, with less than a month left in the window.

Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez are the new faces at Old Trafford so far, but it's clear that more additions are wanted.

Yet, Ten Hag has stressed that the club are not going to go out and buy any player, and that the process is important.

"That would be a good situation," the Dutchman said when asked if he'd like to have all of his transfer business done.

"But I am happy with the squad. I am happy with the signings up until now.

"We are working together, I am happy with the current squad and we need the right players."

It seems obvious that when Ten Hag says the right players, he means Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch midfielder has been the United manager's main target this summer. They worked together at Ajax between 2017 and 2019.

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United's lack of action in chasing alternatives shows that Ten Hag wants specific profiles to come into the squad, and does not want to settle for less.

So, it was no surprise that the 25-year-old was brought up in the press conference.

When asked by a journalist about the links to the player and whether United will continue their pursuit or move for another player.

"We want Frenkie? I didn't know!" Ten Hag said with a shy grin and laugh. "It's about the right players.

"I cannot comment on a player contracted to another club.

"When we have news, we will bring it."

Ten Hag will appear in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday for the first time in a competitive environment.