Manchester United are reportedly obsessed about Frenkie de Jong, with Andy Cole insisting they seem desperate for the midfielder.
According to Sport, Manchester United seem obsessed with Frenkie de Jong. Former striker Andy Cole claimed they cannot seem desperate for the midfielder. Erik ten Hag’s side remained linked with the 25-year-old since last summer and could make another attempt after the season.
Andy Cole did a great many things with Manchester United throughout his career. He won plenty and is regarded as one of their decorated players in the Premier League era. However, he spoke to Sport about a player, Frenkie de Jong, who has long remained linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Cole claimed Manchester United looked desperate in their chase for de Jong and believes the midfielder has to make a clear choice. He insisted the club have to show their class and that they cannot wait forever for the 25-year-old to decide where he wants to play his football next.
Cole said, “De Jong is a very good footballer, and there is no doubt about that, but if you look at what happened in the last transfer market, you have to wonder why United would want to put themselves in that situation again. They have to go for players who really want to come here like Casemiro,”
“Going for De Jong again makes them seem desperate. We are talking about Manchester United; if he doesn’t want to play for you, then he goes ahead and looks for another option. United is not just another Premier League club; the player’s response has to be clear; yes or no, but he doesn’t serve a maybe.”
The Manchester United-de Jong saga dragged on last summer as Erik ten hag was keen to reunite with the 25-year-old. They wanted the Dutchman to sign last season and were eager to take advantage of Barcelona’s financial troubles.
Despite agreeing on a fee with Barcelona, de Jong did not want to leave the club of his dreams. From his perspective, he remained well-settled in the city and did not want to leave the Catalans for Manchester. From his point of view, he has also enjoyed a stellar season, his best for the club.
Manchester United remain interested and could launch another attempt in the coming summer. Ten Hag still has that vacant midfield spot alongside Casemiro and would want the 25-year-old to take his place. Then again, it will be difficult to convince de Jong of a move, but this time the pressure on Barcelona to sell remains huge.
Chelsea also want de Jong and consider him one of their priority signings in the summer. They, too, are keen on a high-profile midfielder and partner for Enzo Fernandez. The 25-year-old fits their system well and may find London more appealing than Manchester.
Yet, ten Hag will hope to lure his former player and make it work for the Red Devils. However, as Cole said, they cannot come across as desperate for the player, which may backfire in the chase for the midfielder.