Ten Hag admits he wanted Frenkie de Jong for Man United in 2022

Erik ten Hag, now Twente’s coach, revealed in an interview with The Athletic that Frenkie de Jong was his first choice to strengthen the midfield of Manchester United in summer 2022. He said he tried to convince the Barcelona midfielder to move to Old Trafford, with talks stretching over several weeks.

Ten Hag framed the impact: “It could have been very important to build the team, not only that year but also for the future. But we didn’t manage it.” He also detailed his role in the push: “I did everything I could. I arranged meetings with him where Richard and John also took part, to convince him to come,” referring to Richard Arnold and John Murtough.

The Dutchman added that he knew the player well from their time together at Ajax, which is why he believed the move could fit his plans at United.