Erik ten Hag knows Frenkie de Jong success would rely on another Manchester United signing

Erik ten Hag's arrival at Manchester United has prompted great excitement and also great expectations about the way in which he might be able to awaken a fallen giant.

Ajax had not won the league in five years before he guided them back to the top in 2019. Five years after his arrival, he left the Dutch capital having delivered three Eredivisie titles - and might well have added another had the 2019/20 campaign not been curtailed.

Ten Hag achieved it by instilling confidence into a squad down on their luck, and he rejuvenated the side by re-inventing their famed 4-3-3 formation with subtle tweaks and differences.

READ MORE: Why United hold all the cards in Frenkie de Jong transfer talks

The 52-year-old faces a similar task at United this summer, albeit a much higher profile one, and in order to get off to a good start, he is eager to get the old band back together with a move for his former Ajax ace.

United fans have been sent into overdrive by the thought of De Jong turning out at Old Trafford next season, a move which seemed incomprehensible when they finished sixth in the Premier League.

United are in talks with Barcelona to try and seal a move for the 25-year-old, but at the moment, the two clubs are some way apart in their valuation of the Dutch midfielder.

United sources have warned the club will not overspend to get a deal done and Ten Hag's side are continuing to keep communication open with other midfield targets should a move not materialise.

It is understandable why United fans are so keen on a move for De Jong this summer, but signing a world-class player does not guarantee world-class results for the buying club.

“He is a wanderer, an adventurer, he’s always on the move, like a shark," Ten Hag said of De