‘He’s a really good player’ – Paul Scholes backs Manchester United’s move for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has endorsed the club’s bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, describing the Dutchman as a ‘really good player’.

Erik ten Hag is keen on signing the Netherlands international to bolster his midfield and the pair have an existing relationship, having worked together for 18 months at Ajax.

Though De Jong wants to stay at Barcelona, the club are under financial pressure and must balance the books by offsetting arrivals with departures.

They will therefore listen to offers for De Jong, with Barcelona willing to accept a bid in the region of £70m.

Midfield is an area of priority for Ten Hag, who will lose Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba before he can even meet his new squad.

And Scholes believes De Jong fits the profile of the type of player that United should be looking to add to their squad.

Asked how important it is for the club to back Ten Hag this summer, Scholes told Premier League Productions: ‘He has to be. The club have employed him now they have to give him exactly what he wants. ‘I heard Karen [Carney] mention there about a central midfielder – they’ve been talking about Frenkie de Jong, who I think is a really good player. ‘I haven’t seen much of him at Barcelona I must have admit but I’ve seen him with Holland and he’s that type of player that can come in and control the tempo of games. This manager needs backing now, he’s been brought into the club to really turn it around.’

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