Erik ten Hag reveals back-up plan if Manchester United fail to sign top target

Erik ten Hag says he will promote from within Manchester United’s squad if the club fail to bring Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils are struggling to convince Netherlands international De Jong to ditch Barca and move to United this summer.

Manchester United have already agreed a deal with Barcelona for the 25-year-old but De Jong’s preference is to stay at the Nou Camp despite his relationship with former Ajax boss Ten Hag.

With time potentially running out for United to persuade De Jong to make the move, Ten Hag says he could look to his existing squad to fill the position.

‘What I can say is we’re looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position, but it has to be the right one,’ Ten Hag said.

‘There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can’t find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position.

‘I will not comment on a certain player. We need the right player. We have a list and we qualify as the player who has the competence to play that role. We will strike the moment the player is available.’

Ten Hag joined Manchester United from Ajax in April and admits he would have liked the club’s summer business to have been wrapped up already.

United completed deals for Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen earlier in the month, while they have agreed a deal with Ajax for Lisandro Martinez.

‘The best and the most perfect situation is when you start pre-season with the squad fully equipped, but most of the time that’s not the fact of football, so I am realistic and I have to deal with the fact,’ the Dutch boss said.

Ten Hag’s Manchester United continue their pre-season schedule on Tuesday with a