Erik ten Hag sent Frenkie de Jong message as Manchester United begin pre-season training

Erik ten Hag has been sent a Frenkie de Jong transfer message on his first day of pre-season training at Manchester United.

The Dutchman was pictured arriving at Carrington on Monday morning with a number of United players also clocking in for the new term. Ten Hag has been tasked with a squad overhaul but is yet to complete a summer signing as old faces returned to training on Monday.

The Manchester Evening News understands United are edging closer to securing a deal for Barcelona’s De Jong. However, fans are becoming increasingly frustrated by the absence of recruits.

READ MORE:Manchester United and Barcelona hopeful of Frenkie de Jong transfer agreement soon

Reports that surfaced last week claimed Ten Hag is set to make a decision on the captaincy in the coming weeks. Some supporters have suggested that Harry Maguire should be stripped of the armband after a rough season.

However, ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson believes United should be prioritising new signings if they want to be a top-four team, and that the signing of De Jong can be the catalyst for the transformation process.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Bring in as many players as he can (as a first action). This team isn’t going to get you top four, in my opinion, they need to bring in certain players.

“De Jong at Barcelona, he’s a decent footballer - you’ve got to start somewhere - then you move on from there. They need at least three or four just to make a challenge for top four.”

Merson outlined that Ten Hag has a big task on his hands and that the 52-year-old will never be faced with a greater challenge in football. He added: “I don’t know how old he is but if he manages for the rest of his life, it will never be harder than what he’s taken on now.

“Thi