Man Utd: Ten Hag facing 'huge blow' at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has suffered a ‘huge blow’ after reportedly missing out on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The former Ajax boss has just days remaining to strengthen his squad further at Old Trafford with the September 1 transfer deadline now looming.

It was understood that United had struck a £63 million deal to sign the 25-year-old from Barcelona earlier this summer.

However, a dispute between De Jong and the La Liga giants over deferred wages owed to the player slowed any deal and has seemingly scuppered their chances of a move.

Reports in Spain have now suggested that the Netherlands international will carry on in Barcelona and accept a pay cut, all but ending United’s hope of landing the star.

Chelsea were also interested in signing De Jong this summer and may have held an advantage given their participation in this season’s Champions League.

Meanwhile, United completed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro last week, with the Brazilian making his debut against Southampton on Saturday.

O’Rourke has described missing out on De Jong as a huge blow for United and Ten Hag.

However, the journalist adds that moving quickly to bring in Casemiro will soften the blow and described the deal as ‘good business’.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “It’d be a huge blow for Ten Hag [missing out on De Jong]. Obviously, we all know Frenkie De Jong was his top target this summer. They worked hard on it to try and get a deal done and had so many obstacles in the way for it to be blocked. It does seem like they have moved for Casemiro as an alternative.

“They’ve got that deal done pretty quickly, which Manchester United have been criticised in the past for not doing.