Fans deliver emphatic verdict on Manchester United's next transfer priority

Manchester United supporters want to see the club switch its attention to signing a new defensive midfielder once they have wrapped up the signings of Tyrell Malacia and Frenkie de Jong.

United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday, have agreed fees with both Feyenoord and Barcelona, respectively, to try and bring Malacia and De Jong to Old Trafford. United are understood to be making progress on both deals, despite Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisting that the Spanish giants have 'no intention' of selling De Jong this summer.

The Reds' interest in De Jong, which was signalled almost two months ago, came as a huge shock to most United supporters, as almost everyone expected United's search for a new midfielder this summer to focus on signing one who is renowned for being a defensive-minded player. De Jong, who scored four goals and grabbed five assists for Barcelona last season, is renowned for dictating games, getting on the ball and playing through the lines.

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He has sat deep in the past and offered a layer of protection to the back-four behind him, but he is not renowned for being a tenacious tackler or someone who will break up play. It would be a waste of his talent to deploy him in that role.

Therefore, should United successfully manage to lure the Netherlands international to Old Trafford, the supporters have made it clear that they hope the club's next aim will be to sign a holding midfielder. It is the position that needs strengthening above all others this summer and the fans are desperate to see it bolstered.

Participating in a poll conducted by the Manchester Evening News, we asked United