Frenkie de Jong transfer might give Fred his perfect Manchester United role

There is so much excitement about Frenkie de Jong's proposed move to Manchester United that it is easy to get carried away with the possibilities that might lie ahead next.

A new manager and a new star signing bring with them huge dreams of a return to the Premier League summit, playing effortless football as they breeze past opposition teams, but the harsh reality is that Erik ten Hag is taking over a side which needs far more than just the Barcelona midfielder if they are to achieve any of their goals.

De Jong's intelligence and composure are two key attributes that Ten Hag will look to harvest next season as part of his new-look team, though the big challenge will be making sure the Netherlands international has the supporting act to take centre stage.

READ MORE:Sergio Romero interested in shock Manchester United return

The 25-year-old wants to be loved at Old Trafford and to feel appreciated after being told by Barcelona that his dream move was now at an end. In order to do so, he needs a manager who trusts him, and Ten Hag is certainly that.

De Jong wants to have freedom to drop deep and collect the ball from defenders, but also wants to be relieved of defensive duties with permission to embark on runs up the pitch, breaking lines with his passes and beating his opponents in one-versus-one duels.

"His quality is that he ensures that the ball gets into the final third," Ten Hag admitted three years ago. "He is an adventurer, always on the move. Often with the ball, sometimes without the ball.

"Can you put him at six as the only link? He leaves the middle of the pitch too often for that. And if you don’t give him the freedom to go forward, you won’t get the best out of his game."

Ten Hag knows better than most how to