Boost for Man United as La Liga star makes u-turn on Old Trafford move

Manchester United are back in competitive action on Wednesday when they face Burnley in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. 

The Red Devils will face a tough test against The Clarets – managed by former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany – as the Championship side currently sit top of the second division with a six point lead.

Erik ten Hag’s side’s last game was back in mid-November, when they defeated Fulham 2-1 courtesy of a late winner from Alejandro Garnacho.

United have since lost Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club by mutual consent after a controversial interview during which he criticised Ten Hag, and the club are likely to be very active during the upcoming January transfer window.

Ahead of the window, which opens on January 1, United have been handed a boost.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has told Ten Hag that he would be happy to join the manager in Manchester.

United chased the Barcelona star for much of the summer but ultimately failed in their pursuit of the midfielder, but it now appears that a move could be back on the cards.

The Red Devils had reportedly agreed a fee with their Spanish counterparts earlier this year, but were unable to persuade the player himself to commit to a move to Old Trafford, although it appears that he has now changed his mind.

De Jong started all five of the Netherlands’ World Cup games in Qatar, scoring once and providing an assist

One of the main reasons for De Jong choosing not to leave Barcelona over the summer was due to a significant amount of unpaid wages that he is owed by the club, although that is still believed to be an unresolved issue.

De Jong, 25, joined the Catalan giants back in 2019 for more than £70 million, and is contracted to the club until the summer of 2026.

Prior to that, he had worked with Ten Hag at Dutch side Ajax, where the pair enjoyed a successful spell together.

Ajax won a league and cup double during the 2018/19 campaign, and De Jong was also crucial in Ten Hag’s side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.

Since moving to Spain, the Netherlands international has made more than 150 appearances, establishing himself as one of the world’s best in his position.

The ex-Ajax man was also impressive for The Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, helping his national side to the quarter-finals.

De Jong provided an assist in their opener against Senegal, before scoring in a win over hosts Qatar.