Since officially becoming the manager of the Old Trafford team, coach Erik Ten Hag has repeatedly expressed his desire to recruit midfielder Frankie De Jong – who was brought to light by himself.
The Dutch strategist has always said that he loves the player very much and considers him like a son. However, the current number 21 of Barcelona has repeatedly rejected the old teacher and insists on “forever” love with the Catalan team.
Faced with that situation, Ten Hag decided he could not continue to pursue the student forever, instead he was more concerned about the situation in the midfield of Man United.
Ten Hag needs to upgrade the Red Devil’s midfield
Because Eriksen is over 30 and in poor physical shape, the Red Devils need to sign a midfielder immediately. Eriksen won’t be able to play for the Old Trafford club for very long.
Goal reported that Ten Hag is attempting to revitalize the midfield and lay a strong basis for this area, citing a source from Football Insider. He has therefore maintained an eye on a number of brilliant individuals, including Inter Milan’s current midfielder Nicolo Barella, who plays in a very prominent position.
Nicolo Barella is an extremely versatile midfielder because he possesses everything needed for a midfield player. From the ability to escape pressing, contesting the ball to supporting the ɑttack, the Italian midfielder is fully capable of completing them excellently.
Barella is an extremely versatile midfielder that every club wants to own
Moreover, Inter’s number 18 is also capable of scoring by himself with long shots like hammers. Therefore, he is considered a suitable piece for a position in the midfield of the Red Devils.
As for Ten Hag, he was a ‘fan’ of this player when he witnessed the versatility shown in the rather small body of the Italian midfielder. The strategist dubbed “Sir Alex 2.0” may have found another goal to “love” instead of waiting in vain from Frankie De Jong’s side.
However, except for economic problems, Man United will also face drastic “pressing” from Man City because The Citizens also want Barella’s service.
The price to own Barella is not cheap
According to Football Insider, Serie A representatives are willing to sell the 26-year-old star, but they will only accept a minimum offer of £70 million. Barella’s contract expires in 2026, so obviously this price is also completely understandable.
Man Utd leadership refused, Ten Hag still successfully brought back the person he needed
The determination to help Erik ten Hag achieve the important goal of appointing the coaching staff.
The Red Devils ended their six-year title thirst with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The decision to appoint Erik ten Hag instead of Mauricio Pochettino soon proved effective. The meticulous nature of the Dutch military leader helps Man Utd stay on the right track.
Even he is very decisive with his choices. Ten Hag told the board he wanted to appoint Steve McClaren as assistant coach. At first, they reluctantly accepted this request.
Ten Hag is a very determined person.
Man Utd leadships, though, was compelled to give in prior to Ten Hag’s resolve.
During the three years between 1999 and 2002, McClaren assisted Sir Alex Ferguson. Ten Hag supported McClaren while he was at Twente as an assistant. In light of this, the couple’s relationship is fairly solid.
The technical prowess and familiarity with English football that McClaren possessed were just two reasons why Ten Hag wanted him. Man Utd, however, feels that the action is similar to previous ones made when Solskjaer and Mike Phelan were together.