Erik ten Hag's conviction that Frenkie De Jong is the player to lead Manchester United 's renaissance is behind the club’s inertia in the transfer market.
Ten Hag was handed a £150million budget on his arrival at Old Trafford earlier this summer - and immediately asked for six new signings to begin a major rebuild. He was also told any money raised by departures would be added to his kitty.
Ten Hag made De Jong his No 1 target - and believes that Holland’s midfield playmaker will choose United ahead of Chelsea in a straight choice between the two Premier League clubs. United have a £71.85million agreement in place with Barcelona to sign De Jong.
