Man Utd warned of 'desperate' Frenkie de Jong move as Erik ten Hag considers summer move

Manchester United have been warned they will look desperate if they try to re-sign Frenkie de Jong. The Barcelona star was Erik ten Hag's main target for most of last summer's transfer window but the Red Devils couldn't complete the deal as he wanted to stay at Camp Nou at the end of the season. space.

United have been heavily linked with a move for De Jong since Ten Hag was appointed manager in April 2022, with the 53-year-old keen to reunite with one of his main stars from Ajax. The Dutch international appeared to have fallen somewhat out of favor at Barcelona, ​​with the La Liga giants apparently keen to bring him forward to help them in their battle against Financial Fair Play rules.

The Red Devils agreed a deal worth at least £63m for the player in July but that wasn't enough to land him at Old Trafford. De Jong was reportedly hesitant to move to the northwest after the club's dismal season and remained in Spain.

United moved for Casemiro instead and the Brazilian played a pivotal role in improving the club on the pitch under Ten Hag. It has been suggested that the Red Devils could try to re-sign De Jong this summer and the Dutchman may be more tempted by the move given the club's promising season.

However, United legend Andy Cole has warned his former side against any move, saying it will make them desperate.

"I'm looking at it from the outside, is Frenkie de Jong the midfielder who could do a job for Manchester United? No it's no," he told King Casino Bonus: "De Jong is a very good player and there is no doubt about that, but if you look at last season's transfer saga and you have to wonder why would Manchester United want to get back into that position?

"They have to go for players who actually want to come to the club like Casemiro did. Going for De Jong again makes them desperate, that's the Manchester United football club we're talking about here, if you don't' "I don't want to play for them, then go to your next option. It's not like Manchester United aren't a league football club, the answer to the decision should be yes or no, not a maybe."

Cole was also keen to stress that he believes United can sign anyone, given the size of the club, as he urged his former side to aim high.

"I just want Manchester United to know that they can go there and bring in any top player," he explained. "It's not about the money, those best players available will all be fought for and paid a living wage anyway, so it doesn't make a difference anymore.

"Players will look at their chances of winning the Premier League, the FA Cup or the League Cup and the Champions League. Everyone wants to win their domestic league and the Champions League. Look at Real Madrid's form in La Liga compared to when they play in the Champions League, it's like they're playing two separate teams, but it's just a matter of mentality."