Erik ten Hag already knows how to get the best from Frenkie de Jong at Manchester United

Talks between Manchester United and Barcelona have been accelerating over the last few days for the signing of De Jong for around £56million plus add-ons. It is looking increasingly likely that Erik ten Hag will get his priority purchase this summer, but the key to the success of the move will be ensuring his strengths are played to, and he'll have the perfect manager to do just that.

The now 25-year-old midfielder was used heavily under Ten Hag’s reign at Ajax. He was often deployed as a deep-lying playmaker in a double pivot with a partner. He also played at centre back often alongside Matthijs de Ligt who is now playing for Juventus.

We first saw De Jong operate in a midfield three at Ajax, but when Ten Hag switched to the 4-2-3-1 formation, that’s where we saw the Dutch international’s qualities shine. He is composed when receiving the ball under pressure and is excellent at orchestrating the play from the engine room of the pitch.

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Playing in a double pivot allows him to dribble and carry the ball from deep. A midfield partner gives De Jong the comfort of knowing there is support for him to roam higher up the pitch, then enable him to release the ball into an attacker and begin an offensive movement.

In recent seasons, we have seen United line-up with Fred and Scott McTominay in a midfield pivot. Due to their limitations when creating attacks and releasing the ball into the final third, the Reds have often struggled to break down low defensive blocks against oppositions who look to counter-attack, and De Jong could be a vital component in solving this pressing issue, as he was often the glue that gelled Ajax’s attacks together for