Erik ten Hag’s plans for Manchester United next season may have become clearer after Frenkie de Jong revealed his preferred role.
United are interested in bringing De Jong to Old Trafford this summer, with Ten Hag having identified him as an ideal target. The pair know each other well from their time together at Ajax, so the new United boss should know how to get the best out of the 25-year-old.
To remove any doubt for Ten Hag, De Jong has outlined his favourite position while out on international duty. The midfielder has made it clear he prefers his role with the Netherlands as opposed to the position he’s asked to fill at Barcelona.
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“I like to be the first player to receive the ball from the defenders. In the national team I play differently compared to Barca. And I think this one fits me better,” De Jong said.
Not only will De Jong’s comments give United hope of luring him away from the Nou Camp, they could also give a good indication of how United will line up under Ten Hag next season. MEN Sport have taken a look at how United could line up following De Jong’s admission.
Goalkeeper – David de Gea
Not much doubt here. Ten Hag is a fan of Dean Henderson, but with United looking to secure a move away on loan for the goalkeeper, David de Gea should retain his No.1 spot.
Defence – Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Jurrien Timber, Luke Shaw
United have made Jurrien Timber their defensive priority this summer, and unlike De Jong, he hasn’t been quite as vocal about wanting to stay at his current club. The Ajax defender can play either centre-back or right-back, so it’s a bit of a toss-up as to where he could feature in United’s side should he make the move.
For now, we’ve placed him alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of the defence, although he could just as easily replace Diogo Dalot with Harry Maguire coming into the side. Luke Shaw is undoubtedly a stronger option than Alex Telles at left-back, so he gets the nod.
Midfield – Frenkie de Jong, Donny van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes
With De Jong’s admission, United could finally have the answer to their deep-lying midfield problem. It’s still a big if as to whether he’ll make the move, but you’d imagine Barcelona would accept if the offer is right. You'd expect United to continue their search for a specialist holding midfielder, but against sides where United can expect to see plenty of the ball, deploying De Jong as the deepest of the three could work.
That could free up Donny van de Beek to play in a more advanced role, which should hopefully suit him better and give him the kick-start he so desperately needs at United. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes retains his usual spot as the number 10.
Attack – Antony, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho
United are in the market for new attacking options, and while some backup for Cristiano Ronaldo is needed, that doesn’t necessarily mean they need an out-and-out striker. In Antony, they’d be getting a player Ten Hag knows all about, and someone who can provide a solution to a problem position on the right.
Ronaldo's place in the XI looks nailed on after enjoying a successful return to the club. Out on the left, Jadon Sancho looked to be finding his feet last season and fans will be hoping to see him kick on in 2022/23.
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