With Erik ten Hag officially confirmed as Manchester United's next permanent manager, the club can begin identifying the individuals they want to work alongside the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

A significant improvement in midfield is required by United, and the Manchester Evening News knows that this will be a priority in the summer transfer window. Frenkie de Jong, a former Ajax midfielder, is one player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

On the Dutchman, Xavi has made no qualms about stating his feelings "It's no secret that Frenkie is a vital cog in my club's machinery. I'm pleased with his performance. If it were up to me, he'd be at Barcelona for many more years than he already is."

Journalist Oriol Domenech, on the other hand, claims that Barcelona are desperate for cash, and that a price of around £60 million may be enough to persuade them to sell De Jong, despite the fact that Xavi is keen to maintain hold of the 24-year-old forward. Ten Hag is believed to be in contact with Barcelona, who are anticipating his approach.

In light of Barcelona's well-documented financial woes and the fact that they are overcrowded with quality midfield options such as Gavi and Pedri, with Franck Kessie seemingly due to join them this summer, the move makes sense. However, whether De Jong would want to join a team that could not guarantee him Champions League play would also be a consideration.

Given the importance of De Jong to Ten Hag while he was at Ajax, it provides United fans an idea as to how Ten Hag views a midfielder. De Jong is a versatile midfielder who has the capacity to have an impact on the game at both ends of the field because to his technical skills. The fact that he is constantly changing positions and switching between possessions indicates that he is the type of player that both Ralf Rangnick and Ten Hag believe should be brought into the club.

Despite the fact that signing De Jong is a long shot, he's exactly the type of player that United should be seeking for, and this scenario might serve as a useful lesson for the club. After failing to sign their primary target, they should not move on to the next 'big-name' on their list. The most expensive signings aren't always the best option, and clubs should look for less expensive alternatives who can perform a similar function.