Manchester United are able to admit DEFEAT of their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong as Erik ten Hag looks set to miss out on his No 1 goal… however the Dutch manager has set his sights on Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot
- Manchester United are prepared to present up on their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong
- Despite a fee being agreed with Barcelona the midfielder was unwilling to go away
- Erik ten Hag has now set his sights on Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot as a alternative
Erik ten Hag’s plan to construct his Manchester United revolution around midfielder Frenkie de Jong is causing the manager major frustration as he resigns himself to missing out on his No 1 goal.
There was confidence at Old Trafford that they may lure the Dutch star from Barcelona before the beginning of the season.
Nevertheless, there may be a growing sense now that De Jong is not going to turn into the marquee signing that they had hoped for.
Manchester United are set to present up on their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
United haven’t completely given up yet on attempting to secure a deal but their chances are high hanging by a thread.
Ten Hag and the club have reluctantly began the means of looking for another and are pressing ahead with a move for Juventus and France playmaker Adrien Rabiot, 27.
Failure to land De Jong will probably be a major blow to Ten Hag, who had made it his priority to sign the player he had worked with for 2 seasons at Ajax.
United have had a long-standing interest in De Jong this summer but he’s unwilling to maneuver
The Dutch coach and his staff feel De Jong’s attributes are essential to the passing and possession style they wish to implement at United.
Such was the assumption at one stage this summer that United could reach a deal for De Jong – despite not having qualified for this season’s Champions League – Ten Hag thought it was unnecessary to contemplate any alternatives.
Nevertheless, despite a loose agreement between Barcelona and United, the stand-off between De Jong and his club over the £17million he’s owed in wages has proved the stumbling block.
Erik ten Hag suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in his opening game as Manchester United boss
The player’s reluctance to hitch United has also turn into clearer because the summer has developed.
Chelsea have emerged as a practical alternative destination for De Jong. Joining the Blues would mean the midfielder could proceed to play within the Champions League if he’s forced out of the Nou Camp.
Sources have indicated a move to Stamford Bridge is a more realistic prospect than De Jong being reunited with Ten Hag at United.
Whether De Jong leaves Barca, this summer will still rely heavily on the much-publicised impasse over his deferred wages.
Sources near De Jong’s proposed move to Old Trafford had indicated to Sportsmail that United were willing to pay a percentage of the cash that the midfielder is owed so as secure his signature.
Nevertheless, unless there may be an unexpected turn of events, Ten Hag and United are braced for disappointment.
Ten Hag and Manchester United have since set their sights on Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot
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