Louis van Gaal has told Frenkie de Jong why a move to Manchester United would be good for him. The Manchester Evening News reported last week that they had agreed a deal with Barcelona for the signing of De Jong, but Barca's president Joan Laporta claimed later that the midfielder was not for sale.
Since moving to the Catalan club, De Jong has made 138 appearances for his domestic team. The 25-year-old has reportedly been frustrated on occasion when being named on the bench and Van Gaal warned about this when he first arrived at Camp Nou.
Speaking back in 2019 via The Bleacher Report, Van Gaal said: "I think it’s going to be very difficult for him there. Not only because he might get a different role, but he also has to play with those other players from the starting line-up.
ALSO READ: Frenkie de Jong and Tyrell Malacia's agent pictured at Manchester United training ground
"I think that as a player you should also choose a club where you can always play," he continued. "The question is whether that is justified in Barcelona.
"I hope so because at that age you have to play every game. I think he could have made better choices because I think the whole world is waiting for De Jong."
Of course, should De Jong move to Old Trafford this summer he will be almost guaranteed a starting place. With Paul Pogba having left and Erik ten Hag having earmarked him as his top transfer target, it would be likely that De Jong would become a crucial component at United.
READ NEXT:
