What Version Of Frenkie de Jong Would Manchester United See?

Manchester United have been heavily linked with Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who recently produced a star cameo to help Louis van Gaal’s men score in the dying moments to defeat Wales 2-1.

With the upcoming transfer window kickstarting with controversy already, the financial situation of footballing giant FC Barcelona may offer a transfer saga which could see extraordinarily talented midfielder Frenkie De Jong arrive at the Theatre of Dreams.

Although Barcelona’s financial situation may be one which will leave the Catalan club looking to offload players, the idea of losing Frenkie De Jong has left fans with mixed emotions.

The reaction of fans being open to the sale of De Jong is aligned with the lofty expectations the Dutchman has had since his arrival in 2019. With De Jong’s recent performances during the UEFA Nations League, it has sprung up the question; Why does Frenkie De Jong perform better for the Dutch national team as opposed to Barcelona?

Due to Frenkie de Jong’s brilliant performances under the national team recently, fans across social media have been left puzzled on how the Dutch midfielder has performed at a higher level with his national team as opposed to Barcelona.

Frenkie de Jong in action for Barcelona in the Europa League (Alamy)

The answer to this simple question has been around for years with former coach Erik ten Hag speaking about Frenkie de Jong during an interview in 2019 quoting “His quality is that he makes the forwards perform better. He is a wanderer, an adventurer, he’s always on the move, like a shark.

"With the ball, often, but also without the ball. So if you put him on 6, he’s away too often. But you need to give him freedom, otherwise you can't get the best out of him.”

Not only has former manager Erik ten Hag spoke on De Jong but so has current Dutch national coach Louis van Gaal which the manager stating “Frenkie De Jong brings an extra quality to this team. That’s why he’s worth €112M,” after Frenkie produced the moment which led the national team to a 2-1 victory over Wales.

The sheer talent and ability of Frenkie de Jong is incredible and a need to return to his form at Ajax is essential for the 25-year-old's career. The chance for the young midfielder to return to the form which saw the once Ajax man transferred to Barcelona for a hefty fee may be granted with the arrival of his former manager Erik ten Hag now at Manchester United.

With Erik ten Hag knowing how to get the best out of the Dutch midfielder, a resurgence to De Jong’s career may be on the cards should the financial situation regarding Barcelona force the Catalan club into selling their prized treasure to Manchester United.

Should Manchester United sign Frenkie de Jong, it remains the question; what version of the midfielder will Manchester United get?

Frenkie de Jong with Erik ten Hag at Ajax (Alamy)

With regards to Erik ten Hag’s comments on Frenkie, it is clear to see that the Dutch international will more likely play in a midfield pivot whilst being given the license to get up the ground and being partnered with a defensive minded anchor.

This midfield set up has been essential towards Erik ten Hag’s previous system and will look to get the best out of De Jong should both clubs reach an agreement.

It has been reported that Ten Hag has communicated to Frenkie de Jong that the whole game would revolve around the Dutch midfielder, which also aligns with the information of Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Erik ten Hag considers Frenkie de Jong’s signature to be the perfect statement of intent towards Manchester United’s rebuild.

The main obstacle for Manchester United will be to convince the midfielder of Erik ten Hag’s project. With the Red Devils missing Champions League football, the need to convince the Dutch international on the long-term project will be essential in acquiring the talented midfielder.

Although it may be an obstacle, should the two teams agree on a fee and the magic words of Erik ten Hag work in full effect, Frenkie de Jong will have the keys at Old Trafford to express himself as a footballer, finding the rich form he once displayed at Ajax in an environment of complete support.