Manchester United sent different Frenkie de Jong and Marcel Sabitzer transfer signals

Manchester United fans have given up on signing Frenkie de Jong but wouldn't mind seeing Marcel Sabitzer back at the club.

Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his midfield ranks this summer and lessen the burden on the dynamic but ageing duo of Casemiro and Christien Eriksen. The pair both arrived last summer and were the driving force behind United's dramatic improvement but the drop off in quality when either was unavailable was obvious.

Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek have been unable to meet the manager's high standards and more quality is being sought out as a result. United have made Mason Mount their top target but have been unsuccessful so far.

Frustrations are growing with Chelsea in how they've handled negotiations and don't want to overspend on a player in the final year of his contract. United have seen three bids rejected as Chelsea hold out for £65million and through the final bid of £55m remains on the table alternatives are being considered.

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One of which is Brighton's Moises Caicedo, even if the combative Ecuadorian would cost considerably more. Another midfielder United have long held an interest in is De Jong.

The Barcelona star was Ten Hag's dream signing last summer and though a deal was agreed with Barcelona the player did not want to leave the Camp Nou. De Jong made it clear long before the window opened that his position had not changed in the slightest.

"Last summer I was always calm as I knew I would stay at Barca and I never changed my mind," De Jong told RAC1 when asked about interest from United. "I always dreamed of playing for Barca and I want to succeed here. I want to continue here."

United fans feel the same way.