Frenkie de Jong has already told Manchester United his favourite position

It seems like only a matter of time before Manchester United finally sign Frenkie de Jong. Both United and Barcelona are confident of a deal being completed in the near future and sources say it is a matter of "when, not if" the deal is finalised.

United have been keen not to rush into a deal as they look to renew their reputation as tough negotiators in the summer transfer window, and it seems like patience might well pay off in their pursuit of De Jong.

No matter when De Jong arrives, the first task will be the same. Erik ten Hag must make his former Ajax ace feel loved at Old Trafford and get to work on building a team around his special talent while also utilising the players already at his disposal.

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

Ten Hag already knows how to get the best out of the 25-year-old and, earlier this month, De Jong himself reiterated his own preference for being given the freedom to drop deep and collect the ball from defenders.

“Here in the national team, I have a position that suits me better. I like to be the first player to receive the ball from defenders. I play in a different way in the national team compared to Barca," he said.

Of course, it will be down to Ten Hag to utilise the Dutch international as he sees fit, but it is interesting to hear De Jong speak so openly about his preferred style of play.

If he is to settle well at United, then it is crucial that De Jong is granted such freedom to drop back and orchestrate moves from deep, something which will rely on the goalkeeper and centre-backs getting the ball to him quickly and effectively.

United have struggled to nail playing out from the back in recent years, but that has been