Manchester United might have reversed roles with Frenkie de Jong

There was a lot of talk about Frenkie de Jong in the build-up to Manchester United's first leg against Barcelona this week. By full-time, he was hardly worth mentioning.

It is no secret that Erik ten Hag is still a huge admirer of his former Ajax ace, and this summer he could well test the waters again with a bid to bring in the creative midfielder. They might not need him, though.

Instead, it was a night in which United's new-look midfield managed to disrupt the flow of the match and give United a foothold in the game with their artistry in and out of possession.

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Casemiro was excellent as always at the base of the midfield, and Fred was jolted by the opening goal of the game to put in another impressive performance, harassing his opponents and working tirelessly for the greater good of the team.

What was even more impressive was the fact that it was a United midfield already depleted of options. Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay were all injured, while Marcel Sabitzer was suspended for the first leg.

It means United could have an even greater presence in midfield for the decisive second leg next week, while Barcelona could well be further weakened by Pedri's injury and Gavi's suspension.

That will only put greater emphasis on the role De Jong plays when he finally makes an Old Trafford appearance next week, but it might be a while before he ever plays there again.

United agreed a €85million fee with Barcelona to sign De Jong last year, but the midfielder publicly expressed his preference to stay in Catalonia and his wage deferral proved to be an insurmountable stumbling block.

Speaking ahead of the first leg, Ten Hag insisted the 25-year-old had