Xavi insists Frenkie de Jong never wanted to join Manchester United and praises Erik ten Hag

Barcelona boss Xavi has played down how close Frenkie de Jong came to joining Manchester United last summer and is excited to pit his wits against Erik ten Hag in the Europa League.

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The Red Devils spent months locked in talks with the Catalan club over a potential deal for the Dutch midfielder, though he was thought to be extremely reluctant to leave while there was also a stumbling block relating to deferred wages he was owed.

De Jong will now line up against United on Thursday evening at Camp Nou and Xavi insists the 25-year-old always wanted to stay at Barca – and is now playing some of his best football.

Asked if the match might carry any extra weight for United target De Jong, Xavi replied at his pre-match press conference: ‘I think he was really clear to me: he wanted to stay with us. So there was no doubt.

‘Now he’s our player, I’m really happy and satisfied with his performances, his leadership. He’s in a very good moment, like all the team. I think Frenkie is enjoying on the pitch and this is the most important thing.’

Both teams are in excellent form, with Barcelona unbeaten in 15 games in all competitions and 11 points clear at the top of La Liga, while United have only lost once in 15 matches since the season resumed – and that was away to table-topping Arsenal.

Xavi feels Ten Hag has done a remarkable job in turning United back into challengers again – particularly after finishing sixth last season – and describes the former Ajax manager’s style as a ‘reference point’ he takes inspiration from.

‘It’s going to be a big game. It’s a spectacular knockout round for all neutral football fans. Arguably both teams are arriving in their best form so far this season,’ the