Erik ten Hag has hinted that he may have unearthed a new candidate to solve Manchester United's midfield conundrum - just weeks after he reportedly told Frenkie de Jong that the Dutchman would become the "conductor of the orchestra" if he moved to Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is eager to work with De Jong again after their time together at Ajax. After progressing through the ranks in Amsterdam under Ten Hag's guidance, the midfielder was lured to Barcelona in a €75million (£63.7m) deal back in January 2019.
Although De Jong has emerged as Manchester United's top summer transfer target, the midfield maestro is seemingly not completely sold on the idea of making the switch. And Ten Hag's latest comments about Fred and the key role the Brazilian midfielder has played for United in pre-season are unlikely to help change De Jong's stance.
Fred has been deployed as a holding midfielder in some of United's tune-up games, and the 29-year-old has earned rave reviews from both fans and his manager. In a press conference on Friday, Ten Hag hailed the impact that Fred has made as a "connecter" - a term he previously used to describe De Jong's role at Ajax.
Ten Hag said: "In the moment [Fred] is playing in the role as connecter, defending to offence. He is playing the role quite well. I am satisfied with his performance, with his improvement. I think he can even be better. I will support him in that. He also brings energy in the team by his attitude."
The Dutchman's latest comments could indicate that Ten Hag has already unearthed an adequate alternative to De Jong, which could leave the Barcelona outcast in limbo.
Join the debate! Do you think Man Utd still need to sign a player like De Jong this summer? Let us know here.
According to Diario Sport, Xavi Hernandez is expected to inform the former Ajax man that he has no future at the Camp Nou in the coming days, with the Spanish giants eager to cash in on the playmaker.
Ten Hag has only been in the Old Trafford hotseat for a short period, but the Dutchman has already made it clear that he is keen to acquire a quality holding midfielder to bring some much-needed balance to Manchester United's midfield.
However, he hinted earlier this week that he would have no qualms about promoting from within if the club are unable to conclude a deal for De Jong.
Ten Hag said: "We're looking for a player who can play in the holding midfield position, but it has to be the right one. There are not many in that position capable of the level we demand. When we can't find him, we have to deal with the players in our squad now and we will develop one in that position. We need the right player. We have a list and we will strike the moment the player is available."
