What Frenkie de Jong transfer would mean for Manchester United midfield rebuild

If Manchester United are really going to prove they have changed this summer, then they need to get to work quickly. A move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong would certainly be a start.

Erik ten Hag has identified his former Ajax star as an ideal target as part of his initial rebuilding job at Old Trafford, and the Manchester Evening News understands United have contacted Barcelona about De Jong's potential availability. Even through his (mild) struggles in Barcelona, De Jong remains one of the most exciting midfielders in European football, and securing the 25-year-old's signature would certainly be a statement of intent for a side preparing for a season back in the Europa League.

Having already experienced Thursday night football this season, it is understandable why the Netherlands international might be cautious about a move to United, even if it means being reunited with managerial mentor Ten Hag.

READ MORE: Manchester United weighing up Frenkie de Jong transfer

Once again, selling a long-term vision will be crucial to any hope of a deal, and a key part of that sales pitch will be pinpointing exactly how they would make him fit in to a United side lacking any midfield backbone. De Jong has played as a defensive midfielder during his career, as well as a good chunk of matches as a ball-playing centre back, but it would be a huge ask for him to come to the Premier League as a designated holding midfielder.

“Normally midfielders only pass the ball but I dribble as well,” he told The Guardian back in 2018. “People say I take a lot of risks but I don’t think I do, because I don’t lose possession that much.”

A key reason why De Jong was adored by Ten Hag in Amsterdam was because of his independent thinking during