The £75m groundbreaking signing Manchester United can hand Erik ten Hag to show ultimate trust

Manchester United will be looking to build on their morale boosting FA Cup final win over Manchester City as they head into the 2024/25 campaign. The Red Devils endured a largely frustrating 2023/24 in which they struggled to find consistent runs of form, and eventually finished 8th in the Premier League table - their lowest finish in a decade. However, snatching the cup from their local rivals is an achievement which shouldn’t be understated, and could act as the catalyst in recapturing the relentless winning ability the club was once renowned for.

With the transfer window now in full swing, the Red Devils have a prime opportunity to bring in one of the players who reached the peak of his career under Erik ten Hag. Sources suggest the player is determined to reunite with Ten Hag, and a good bid could turn heads at Barcelona, potentially bringing Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford.

De Jong has been a long-term admirer of United since Ten Hag’s arrival, and this summer presents a pivotal moment for the club. While they have committed to Ten Hag, they need to do more than just retain him - they must equip him with the tools to succeed.

In Spain, De Jong has struggled to reach his full potential, and a move back to the manager who helped shape him into one of Europe’s most promising midfielders could be just what he needs to reignite his career. For United, the team is in desperate need of a conductor - a replacement for Christian Eriksen who can help the team play the front-foot football that fans craved last season.

De Jong’s ball progression skills are exactly what this often directionless United side lacks. His ability to link up play would allow United to dominate games and adopt an attack-minded approach that would excite fans. Barcelona will likely want to recoup a significant portion of the £90 million they spent on him, but if De Jong can rediscover the form that once made him a target for Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Barcelona, he would be well worth the investment.

Despite his relatively young age, De Jong has already gained valuable experience playing at the highest levels with Barcelona and the Netherlands national team. His experience in high-pressure games, including the Champions League and international tournaments, would bring leadership and a winning mentality to a United squad that is still every much in the process of evolving.

Barcelona, after signing Euro star Dani Olmo this week, may need funds to balance their books, making this an opportune time to negotiate for a player who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations since arriving from Amsterdam.

Signing De Jong would also send a clear message to Ten Hag that he is valued at the club and that he is being provided with the resources to build a title-winning team. Every manager wants an environment where he feels supported and has players willing to go the extra mile for him. Bringing De Jong to Manchester would give him a fresh start and provide United with a brilliant footballer.