We could see a reunion between Erik Ten Hag and De Jong at Manchester United. United’s tracking of the Dutch may finally come to a positive conclusion. De Jong is reported to be Ten Hag’s first signing at United. Moreover, the Dutch coach is said to already have a plan for the midfielder coming season.
His two partners- who he is going to pair with have been identified. It has come to be known that the De Jong deal is ’95 percent done’. According to Gerard Romero, United is closing on the Dutch midfielder for £69million from Barcelona. He is said to be no longer fitting into Xavi’s plans at Camp Nou next season.
Ten Hag who has recently signed for the Red Devils for a three-year deal knows De Jong very well. Ten Hag had a close relation with De Jong during the former’s playing days at Ajax. However, United could reunite the pair this summer as part of the Ten Hag’s plan of a total overhaul.
The youngster is set to take an important place in the midfield along with the other two players. Ten Hag who prefers playing with a 4-3-3 formation fits perfectly for De Jong. Moreover, this formation will also favour the options for the players already present at United.It is said that Ten Hag could play De Jong as a box-to-box midfielder. Another option that is being speculated is a no.6 role for the Dutchman with Bruno Fernandes taking a more advanced position.
How important could be De Jong to Manchester United?
Ten Hag has efficiently used this game plan at Ajax. Moreover, De Jong was part of that midfield trio that also included Van de Beek and Lisandro Martinez.
United have seen themselves struggling in the midfield throughout the season. Moreover, Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are set to leave this summer leaving a void in the midfield. However, if De Jong is signed this void could be filled easily.
Moreover, there has been a renewed interest in Declan Rice. However, that seems overly speculative as the midfielder has a price tag of £100m attached to him.
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