Man Utd: Ten Hag could sign his own Carrick in £63m star at Old Trafford

Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong could have a similar impact at Old Trafford to the one Michael Carrick made during his spell at the club, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Carrick spent 12 years at United from 2006 to 2018, winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League during this period.

New manager Erik ten Hag wants to bolster United’s midfield this summer, and has set his sights on de Jong, who he previously worked with at Ajax.

According to Sport, United are the club that has shown the most interest in the Barcelona midfielder to date, but they have also claimed that PSG have entered the race to sign the £63m-rated star.

Given that PSG can offer de Jong Champions League football next term, while the Red Devils will only be playing in the Europa League, this could give the French champions the edge in the race for his signature.

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Jones has admitted that United may have some difficulties with convincing de Jong to join them, but he believes the Dutchman could improve the team in the middle of the park, much like Carrick did, if he does move to Old Trafford.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “I think de Jong’s a different player from Carrick, but it could have a similar effect on this team. It would definitely give them a technical aspect that they’ve been lacking, and add ability to progress the ball better.

“But it’s still going to be difficult to sign him, and I’m not sure how long it will take him to settle.”

When looking back at the great Manchester United teams under Sir Alex Ferguson, fans are more likely to pick out the likes of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane as the club’s midfield icons.

However, Carrick also