Frenkie de Jong has just explained why Manchester United should avoid making January bid

Frenkie de Jong was Erik ten Hag’s primary Manchester United transfer target during the summer.

Officials spent more than three months in conversations with Barcelona over a potential move. Things seemed to be progressing when they agreed a deal in principle for the midfielder.

But Ten Hag would ultimately be left without his man after it emerged there was an unfulfilled wage deferral promise between club and player, with there even being reports Barcelona were trying to corner De Jong into accepting a reduced salary amid their mounting debts.

READ MORE: Frenkie de Jong speaks out on failed Manchester United move

United ended the transfer window with six new arrivals, one of which was a much-sought-after defensive midfielder in Casemiro. The Brazilian has started just once this season, which came in the Europa League, but is expected to become a regular once he finds his feet at Old Trafford.

This may be one reason why United should not go back in for De Jong, especially with the current form of Christian Eriksen. Trying to fit him into a midfield which also contains Bruno Fernandes could create more problems than solutions.

However, when speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of the Netherlands' Nations League clash with Poland, De Jong gave Ten Hag another reason not to consider a new year swoop.

"I always wanted to stay at Barcelona this summer, and this is why I always remained calm in the summer," he said. It’s a tune he had repeatedly sang during the window, making clear that he had no intentions of leaving Camp Nou. And now, even after all that happened over the summer regarding his wages, he still wants to remain in Spain.

Ten Hag has been able to restore a healthy team spirit within the United dressing room