Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has appeared to question Frenkie de Jong's decision to stay at Barcelona amid interest from the Red Devils.
United's pursuit of De Jong was the longest-running transfer saga of the summer window and despite making a breakthrough in the deal, the Dutch international ace ultimately remained at the Camp Nou.
This was despite reports which claimed the player had cleared out his locker at the club. United boss Erik ten Hag coached the midfielder at Ajax and held a phone call this summer to convince the player that he should join his project at Old Trafford. United had an initial transfer fee agreed with Barca valued at £56.2million to sign the midfielder but no breakthrough was made.
De Jong is Barca's highest-paid player but does not command a starting place in Xavi Hernandez's side. He has started just four of the club's eight matches across all competitions so far this season despite being fully fit for each game.
The former Ajax star has found himself as a rotated player in the club's myriad of midfield options with Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi and Franck Kessie among the other options available to Xavi in the position.
Netherlands boss Van Gaal, speaking just two months ahead of the World Cup kicking off in Qatar, has now suggested that the star has made an error by staying at a club where he would not be a regular starter this campaign.
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Van Gaal said at a press conference on Tuesday: "It's true that many players called me in the transfer window. But I always ended every conversation with: 'This is my advice, but you make your own decision.'
"I am happy with the outcome. But I would be happier if Frenkie and Memphis would play more than they are now."
The Netherlands conclude their Nations League campaign with clashes against Poland and Belgium this month in what will be their final matches ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. Van Gaal's side are in the favourable Group A in the draw, along with host nation Qatar, Ecuador and African champions Senegal.
