Barcelona president drops Frenkie de Jong hint as Manchester United handed defensive warning

Here are your Manchester United morning headlines for Tuesday, August 2.

United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, with Barcelona “doing everything” in order to register their new signings.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News , United are continuing with their pursuit of De Jong. United are understood to have reservations about their fall-back options, leaving the Barcelona midfielder as their preferred target.

ALSO READ: Joan Laporta gives Manchester United huge Frenkie de Jong boost as replacement sourced

They’ve been continually frustrated in their attempts to get a deal over the line. Having agreed a fee with the Catalan club, Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted the 25-year-old is not for sale.

Read the full story here.

Christian Eriksen has pointed out that United are liable to be caught out in the opening seconds of matches, a weakness Tom Heaton wants to eradicate before the start of the season.

A mostly second-string United side took on Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in the final friendly of pre-season at Old Trafford. The match finished 1-1, with Amad grabbing the goal for Erik ten Hag's side, but United were fortunate not to find themselves behind after less than 10 seconds.

Straight from the kick-off, Vallecano caught United's defence out as they faked to hit it long but instead played a brilliant through ball to eventual goal scorer Alvaro Garcia, who called Heaton into immediate action as he made a great save at his near post.

Read the full story here.

READ NEXT:

Ten Hag praises new combination after Martinez debut

Garnacho has made statement that Ten Hag cannot ignore

United continuing De Jong pursuit