Three Manchester United players are benefitting from Frenkie de Jong transfer delay

It is now 67 days since the Manchester Evening News revealed that Manchester United had made initial contact with Barcelona about the availably of midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Erik ten Hag, who has overseen two victories from his first pre-season two matches in charge as United manager, had identified the Netherlands international as one of his top targets to strengthen his midfield options. More than two months on, the former Ajax manager is still yet to be reunited with one of his former sons.

United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News at the end of last month, have reached an agreement in principle with Barcelona to sign De Jong for £56.14million. However, the deal is being held up at the Barcelona end because of £17million in deferred wages that the Dutchman is owed. United are not to blame for the hold up.

READ MORE: Manchester United have to meet a new transfer deadline for their midfield

But although not United's fault, frustration levels around the club are mounting, not least for Ten Hag. Making contact with Barcelona in early-May, you would have thought United would have enough time to get De Jong through the door and prepared to board the plane for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

But more than a week into their first pre-season tour in three years, United are still yet to make the breakthrough they are longing for. They are desperate to secure De Jong's signature, but how long can the club afford to wait?

Considering they have gone this far and are still refusing to throw the towel in, there is still an expectation that a deal will be completed eventually, even if it is impossible to predict when.

Despite the frustrations and levels of impatience that are beginning to creep