Frenkie de Jong transfer at Manchester United would prove Rio Ferdinand right

Rio Ferdinand was doubtful that simply signing a new defensive-midfielder would be enough to turn Manchester United's fortunes around and it seems that Erik ten Hag agrees with him considering his first top transfer target as manager.

United have been crying out for a new defensive-midfielder for years now, but every time a transfer window has come around, the need for one was neglected and lavish spending went to more glamorous areas of the pitch. With disastrous results.

While Scott McTominay and Fred both have their qualities, neither are suited to playing the disciplined holding role and the one player they did have suited to the position — Nemanja Matic —couldn't be relied upon to play every week in the twilight of his career. Now, Matic has left the club.

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With Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata also out the door, United's midfield options have reduced even further and reinforcements in the middle of the park have become all the more crucial. Thankfully, the club have realised this and signing at least one new player in the position is now a priority.

A defensive-midfielder was inserted as their early top priority, yet their early targets look nigh-on impossible to sign. Declan Rice is a non-starter due to West Ham's refusal to sell and Kalvin Phillips is attracting interest from Manchester City, with a move also made more difficult by Leeds avoiding relegation.

Since then, no alternatives have come to light and all has gone quiet on the defensive-midfielder front. Instead, the focus has turned to Frenkie de Jong. Ten Hag has identified the Dutchman, with whom he enjoyed so much success alongside at Ajax, as the