Erik ten Hag remains coy over Frenkie de Jong deal and insists the players he already has ‘in that position are performing really well’ – but admits Man United are ‘still searching to strengthen the squad’ this summer
- Erik ten Hag has remained coy over a possible deal to sign Frenkie de Jong
- The Barcelona midfielder has been one of Manchester United’s top targets
- De Jong is being pursued by a number of Premier League clubs this summer
- Ten Hag confirmed the club are ‘still searching to strengthen the squad’
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has refused to comment on the possibility of signing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong this summer, in his latest press conference.
The former Ajax boss is preparing to take charge of his first competitive game for the Red Devils as he welcomes Brighton to Old Trafford in the league opener on Sunday afternoon.
But ahead of the game, the United manager was quizzed on the club’s interest in de Jong – who has been linked with a move to Manchester and a reunion with ten Hag this summer.
Erik ten Hag faced the media on Friday ahead of his first competitive game in charge
Ten Hag said he doesn’t know whether the club will continue their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong
In response to a question on de Jong, ten Hag said: ‘We want Frenkie? I don’t know! I cannot comment on a player under contract at another club. When we have news we will give it.
‘You work with the current squad and develop players. In this moment the players in that position are performing really well.’
United are likely to start with a midfield duo of Fred and Scott McTominay in their Premier League season opener against Brighton – with new recruit Christian Eriksen is also potentially lined up for a debut in a deeper role than normal.
The United boss knows the Barcelona midfielder well from their time spent together at Ajax
The new United boss continued: ‘We said it before. We are still searching to strengthen the squad. I’m convinced we have a good team and a good squad. We can still strengthen but the team has showed it can play at a good level.’
The Red Devils have also been linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and West Ham’s Declan Rice – but it’s unlikely that either player would be available for a transfer this summer.
Ten Hag will kick-start his Manchester United career on Sunday afternoon as his side welcome Brighton in their Premier League season opener.
Ten Hag says he is happy with the performances from his defensive midfielders in pre-season
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