Frenkie de Jong dropped two Man Utd transfer hints before Barcelona defeat

23 February 2023 , 22:23

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Frenkie de Jong dropped two Man Utd transfer hints before Barcelona defeat

Frenkie de Jong has been a Manchester United transfer target for quite some time now after he snubbed the chance to join the Old Trafford club last summer to remain at Barcelona.

The Red Devils turned their attention to Casemiro instead, snapping up the Brazilian in a big-money transfer from Real Madrid - and it was a move that caught the eye of the in-demand Netherlands international.

Back in August, De Jong reacted on Instagram to the news that Casemiro had signed for Man United by 'liking' footage of the midfielder arriving at Old Trafford. His social media activity had many believing he likes the idea of one day signing for the Red Devils, despite the fact he failed to do so in January.

De Jong also 'liked' a post confirming Tyrell Malacia had joined Man United, further fuelling the fire.

On Thursday De Jong was given the opportunity to play at Old Trafford in the second leg of Barcelona's Europa League clash with the Red Devils.

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And it wasn't a great experience for the Dutchman, whose Barcelona side were knocked out of the competition.

Frenkie de Jong is a Man United transfer target (PA)

De Jong was also involved in a brawl after he went down under a challenge from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and then had the ball blasted at him as he lay on the ground by Bruno Fernandes.

After some pushing and shoving from players on both sides the situation was calmed down and Fernandes was booked.

At the end of the match, De Jong was the subject of chants from the Man United fans, who sang: "Frenkie, what's the score?"

De Jong remains an important part of this Barcelona club but he remains a United target with Erik ten Hag keen to reunite with the midfielder he managed at Ajax.

Ten Hag previously said of De Jong: "So I think we have a class in 2019 that was a team with a lot of fascination and he brings a lot of that fascination," Ten Hag said, "and I think he develops in the years after and here and in Spain he became even better.

"He's a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him."

Jake Polden