Manchester United warned why Frenkie de Jong transfer would not be enough this summer

Former Manchester United centre-back Mikael Silvestre insists that the club needs more than just Frenkie de Jong to solve their midfield troubles this summer.

United, who will be looking to make a winning start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford on Sunday, are desperate to add to their midfield options ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1. United made contact with Barcelona about signing De Jong back in May and are still yet to make the significant breakthrough that they are looking for.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United are frustrated by the delay that has been encountered in their hopes of luring him to Old Trafford. The Reds are understood to have agreed a £71.5million deal to sign the Dutchman, but it is being held up at the Barcelona end because of €17million worth of deferred wages that he is owed.

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De Jong is United manager Erik ten Hag's top target to solve their midfield woes, with the latter knowing him from their time together at Ajax. But even if the Reds do get a deal over the line, Silvestre, who played for United between 1999 and 2008, believes they would still need another addition in midfield.

"I think this situation is quite unique," Silvestre told bettingexpert. "We know the situation of Barcelona with regards to certain players last season and a lot of clubs in Europe have asked the players to defer some wages, and now the players are rightfully asking for what is due. That's why we are in a blockade situation.

"On the sporting side it would be a very, very good signing. He knows the football that Erik ten Hag wants