History has a case of repeating itself, and United fans will hope it does soon. The club is yearning to reach their former heights having not won a trophy in five years and they know that in order to re-climb the mountain, quality personnel need to be brought in.
Many see Frenkie de Jong as someone who falls into that category. A deal in principle has been agreed for the player, but United are yet to get a transfer over the line.
Barcelona owe the player £17m in wages but maybe more significantly, De Jong wishes to stay at the Nou Camp regardless if given the choice. Amid his club’s huge debts, he may not get an option, but some see his intentions as a snub against United anyway.
READ MORE: Man United ‘set ultimatum' for Frenkie de Jong decision and more transfer rumours
The Reds may have not been as successful in recent years, but their traction is still massive, which was exemplified by the on-tour greeting they received in Thailand earlier this week. Their worldwide status was largely built by Sir Alex Ferguson, but even he had trouble convincing players to sign for United in their pomp.
He tried in vain to persuade Patrick Kluivert to switch to Old Trafford in 1998. The Dutchman instead decided to stay at AC Milan before joining Barcelona 12 months later.
This didn’t go down well with Sir Alex, who made a dig at Kluivert at the time. "Maybe he doesn't know how big a club Manchester United is," he said, sarcastically. "I'm surprised he didn't give himself the opportunity to speak to us.”
In the end, Sir Alex signed Dwight Yorke from Aston Villa who became a club icon. Ferguson noted in his first autobiography how his failed pursuit of Kluivert actually benefitted the club.
He wrote: "There is a growing mountain of persuasive evidence that the Dutchman's indifference indirectly did us a huge favour." United fans will hope history will repeat itself if De Jong rejects a United move.
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