De Jong discusses working with Ten Hag as he remains coy on Manchester United links

Jason Soutar
Frenkie de Jong and Erik ten Hag

Frenkie De Jong has said he “enjoyed working with [Erik] ten Hag at Ajax” amid rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Dutch midfielder helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi-final in 2019 under Ten Hag’s stewardship.

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De Jong then earned a big-money move to Barcelona after emerging as one of the best young midfielders in world football.

He has not been a roaring success for the Blaugrana but can not be regarded as a flop. Having said that, Barca are reportedly open to selling him this summer in order to raise some much-needed funds.

Manchester United are believed to be very keen on signing him as Ten Hag looks to improve the Red Devils’ midfield.

With Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic leaving when their contracts expire this month, midfield recruits this summer is imperative.

While on international duty with Holland, De Jong revealed in an interview that he has recently spoken to Barcelona boss Xavi about his future and also opened up on his relationship with Ten Hag.

“I have enough confidence in myself [to be a success at Barcelona],” he told Algemeen Dagblad (via Manchester Evening News). “I am not afraid. I recently spoke extensively with the trainer [Xavi]. That was a very good conversation.

“I will not go into that [the links to United]. Not even about other names or clubs. I used to be naive and open-minded about it. I don’t do that anymore.

“I understand that that link is made. That sum is not that difficult, it is logical. I have enjoyed working with Ten Hag at Ajax – and I can’t look into the future, of course. But I prefer to stay at Barcelona.

“That has always been my dream club and it still is. As long as I don’t hear from the club management, I assume nothing is going on.”

News Erik Ten Hag

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