Frenkie de Jong deal will prove whether Manchester United have addressed concern Erling Haaland had

It seemed like Manchester United had a straight shot at signing Frenkie de Jong this summer. Then reports emerged suggesting Chelsea could also be interested in a deal if his proposed move to Old Trafford faced any unexpected hurdles.

United are still confident of completing a deal for the Dutchman after agreeing a transfer fee of €65million (£56.14m) plus add-ons with Barcelona for his signature, and in an ideal world, Erik ten Hag hopes to have him available for the start of the upcoming pre-season tour schedule.

Yet the reported presence of Chelsea raises a question about United's pursuit of their top summer target and whether or not he would actually want to join them if rival interest was aroused.

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De Jong is understood to be more receptive to a move to United after being made aware that he is viewed as dispensable by Barcelona, and now he just wants to move to a club where he is loved and appreciated.

While dropping down to the Europa League is not ideal, he does at least know that Ten Hag is a manager he can trust and someone who is committed to building a team around his qualities.

Yet the 25-year-old can't join for a manager alone, and De Jong should be well aware of the risk attached to reuniting with a former mentor who is by no means guaranteed success at a club where patience often wears thin.

New signings always join big clubs with the belief success could be on the horizon, but De Jong needs to consider United's offer with caution and the real possibility that next season might be a struggle as the club adapts to its new era both on and off the pitch.

In a year's time, United might still be a way off the standards set by the best teams in the Premier