Manchester United can sign Frenkie de Jong alternative to get the midfielder they really need

92 days and counting. That is exactly how long it has been since Manchester United first registered their interest in signing Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.

It has turned out to be a transfer saga that has possibly eclipsed every other saga that United have ever found themselves embroiled in during their rich and colourful history. With three weeks to go until the transfer window closes, everyone is desperate to hear the end of it, whether it be by De Jong sealing a move to Old Trafford, joining Chelsea, or staying at Camp Nou.

The saga has been the narrative of United's summer, with it dominating just about every gossip column that has needed filling. But with the deadline looming, United's interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Lazio ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic suggests that the club may be preparing to throw in the towel and focus on alternative options.

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United's interest in both Rabiot and Milinkovic-Savic has been greeted with a mixed reaction, with supporters believing that both players would be a downgrade on De Jong, even though the trio each offer very different qualities. One thing they do have in common, however, is that none of them are out-and-out defensive-midfielders who will fly into challenges and be no-nonsense tacklers.

All are capable of dropping deep and screening the back-four if required to, but none of them are seasoned defensive-midfielders - the ingredient that is missing most from Erik ten Hag's pool of options. Sunday's opening day defeat to Brighton, which saw Scott McTominay and Fred start alongside each other, highlighted United's desperate need for a midfielder capable of doing