Supporters reckon Barcelona are trying to send a message to Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong after Xavi once again played the central midfielder out of position in a pre-season game.
De Jong, 25, remains the priority target for United this summer, although discussions over his prospective transfer have stalled. United have signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez as part of their rebuild under newly appointed manager Erik ten Hag.
However, the player Ten Hag really wants is De Jong after coaching the Netherlands international for 18 months with Ajax when the player burst onto the European scene. De Jong signed for Barcelona three years ago and United had reached an agreement in principle with the cash-strapped Catalan giants for his signature.
