Erik ten Hag says Frenkie de Jong would “strengthen any squad in the world” after attempting to sign the Barcelona midfielder for Manchester United last summer.
The long-running saga ended in the Dutch midfielder staying put at the Camp Nou, where his former boss at Ajax will take his United side on Thursday in a hotly-anticipated Europa League encounter.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ten Hag made clear his admiration of De Jong’s talents.
He told reporters: “Frenkie is an incredible player and he would strengthen any squad in the world. He's got unique quality.”
Barcelona and United both harbour grander hopes than facing off in a Europa League play-off, after finishing third in their Champions League and second in their Europa League respective groups in the first half of the campaign.
That they are meeting on an unusual stage, yet both enjoying promising seasons, underlines for Ten Hag why cultural changes have recently been required at both clubs.
The manager added: “I think both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League and to have an impact in it, to make semi-finals and win, even.
“But the reality is we're in the Europa League, which shows both clubs needed a reset.
“I think it's exciting to face each other tomorrow night because it will help both clubs. With such tests, you get better.”
