Erik Ten Hag Speaks on Manchester United Pursuit for Frenkie de Jong

Erik Ten Hag has shared his optimism about his squad as the football season begins.

By Ademola Bashorun

Erik Ten Hag was speaking at a press conference ahead of the Red Devils game against the Seagulls of Brighton on Sunday, August 7th, 2022. Ten Hag said he intends to work with his current squad despite not having some of his most desired player, Frenkie De Jong.

We want Frenkie? It’s about the right players and I cannot give comments on a player under contract at another club. When you work with the current squad and develop players in your current squad, in this moment we have players in that position and perform really well. It would be a good situation (to have concluded all of their business) but I have a squad and I’m happy with the current squad. We make good progress, I’m happy with the signings until now. You don’t need any player, you need the right player, that’s what we’re working for.

Manchester United’s only out-and-out midfielder is Fred and they are without a proper defensive midfielder since Nemanja Matic left the Old Trafford club for Roma. The Red Devils are willing to pay £85 million for De Jong, but he is not willing to join Manchester United.

He also confirmed that Manchester United supporters could see Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez start in the game against Brighton if they are fit.