Frenkie de Jong was Erik ten Hag’s number one transfer target when the Dutch manager was appointed by Manchester United last year.
Having blossomed in a partnership at Ajax, Ten Hag wanted De Jong to become the beating heart of his midfield at Old Trafford. United’s pursuit of De Jong from Barcelona was undoubtedly one of the longest-running transfer sagas of 2022 and it seemed inevitable that a reunion was on the cards.
Ten Hag played a huge role in the midfielder’s breakthrough and success at Ajax, where he was instrumental in helping the Eredivisie side reach their first Champions League semi-final in 22 years.
