Manchester United plot January raid for Barcelona superstar ‘disgusted’ with his situation

A large part of the summer window was dominated by the headlines revolving around Manchester United and their pursuit of Barcelona superstar Frenkie de Jong.

The 25-year-old midfielder had emerged as the top target for the Red Devils upon the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager. The Dutch tactician had worked with de Jong at AFC Ajax and was keen on a reunion.

However, de Jong dug his heels and refused to leave even though Barça had reached an €85 million agreement with the Premier League giants, as he wanted to succeed at Spotify Camp Nou and continue playing in the UEFA Champions League.

But, things have not gone well for the ex-Ajax ace so far this term as he has lost his starting berth in the lineup to Gavi.

Indeed, de Jong is behind Pedri, Gavi and Sergio Busquets in the pecking order and has largely been used when Xavi wants to rest any of his starters. It has led to de Jong feeling ‘disgusted’ over his situation at Barcelona.

And according to reports in England, as relayed by SPORT, Manchester United are ready to capitalise on the situation by offering the Netherlands international a way out of Spotify Camp Nou in January.

Even though the Red Devils signed two midfielders in the summer in the form of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, the report states that ten Hag believes that de Jong can be the ideal cornerstone for his project at Old Trafford.

Considering that Barcelona are poised to exit from the Champions League themselves and his non-prominence in Xavi’s side, United believe that they can convince the midfielder to make the switch midway through the campaign.

Barcelona, for their part, are not actively considering his sale despite his wages weighing on them, as they still believe that he is a quality player. However, should the player himself ask for a move, things could be set into motion.

De Jong, meanwhile, just wants to play regularly and is confident that he could get a chance in the starting XI after the debacle against Inter Milan. The midfielder wants to try and win back his spot in the lineup before heading into the World Cup.

However, if Xavi persists with his preferred trio this weekend in the Clasico, he could be forced to consider his future, which he would do in January. But there is a feeling that both parties might decide to wait until the summer as more teams could show an interest then.

For now, though, de Jong’s camp are fully aware of Manchester United’s interest and still maintain contact with the Premier League giants.

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