Frenkie de Jong responds to question over future Man Utd transfer

Frenkie de Jong insisted he is loving life at his "dream club" Barcelona after being asked about a potential move to Manchester United in future.

De Jong has long been admired by United, whose interest was ramped up by the arrival at Old Trafford of former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag in 2022. The midfielder was Ten Hag's top target during his first summer but, after failing to get a deal over the line, United turned to Casemiro instead.

With United's midfield still struggling, links to De Jong remain but the 26-year-old has moved to end the speculation once again.

"I am at the club where I always wanted to be, where I dreamed of," he told NOS.

"As a footballer you want to win the big prizes, I haven't won them yet. I have not yet won the trophies I want to win and I am not yet the player I want to be. There is still room for improvement and I still have time, but I would like to get there as quickly as possible."

De Jong was later quizzed directly about a move to United, being asked whether a switch to a new league could inject new life into his career.

"Possibly," he acknowledged. "But I am very satisfied at Barcelona. It's always difficult to say. For now I feel good here."

De Jong is under contract with Barcelona until 2026 but remains on United's radar, with the Red Devils braced for yet another reshuffle in midfield in the coming months.

The emergence of 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has offered a spark to Ten Hag's side but there could be a significant departure in 2024 as 90min understands that Casemiro, the man signed in place of De Jong in 2022, is ready to depart Old Trafford.

Casemiro, a major target for the Saudi Pro League, has struggled to live up to expectations this season befor also suffering an injury and there is an awareness at Old Trafford that a sale may need to be authorised soon if United are to avoid making an immense loss on their £60m investment.

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