Rio Ferdinand has no doubt Frenkie de Jong would be a "good addition" to the Manchester United squad if the Barcelona midfielder seals a transfer which would reunite him with his former manager, Erik ten Hag.
De Jong, who turned 25 on Thursday, has emerged as a summer target for the Red Devils and Barca are believed to be open to selling the Dutch international. Ten Hag will take the reins at Old Trafford ahead of next season and he knows the player well from their one-and-a-half years together at Ajax between 2017 and 2019, during which they won the league-cup double.
De Jong has previously gone on record to insist he is "very happy" at Camp Nou, where he remains under contract until 2026. However, his head could be turned by the prospect of joining forces with Ten Hag once again, and Ferdinand has given his endorsement to the potential marquee signing.
"I've always thought he was a top player," the United legend told his FIVE YouTube channel of De Jong. "They're saying Frenkie de Jong could be the first player to come in under Erik ten Hag and I would be saying: 'Yes, great signing.'
"He's not huge in terms of frame but he is quick with the ball, really good dribbler, can get out of tight situations, makes good decisions, good passer, his balance and dribbling ability are really good. [United] are a team who are looking for players who can control the ball and control the game and get the team functioning in terms of balance and possession. I think he would be a good addition."
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De Jong has made 138 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions, winning the Copa del Rey last season. He has 13 goals and 17 assists to his name at that time, largely playing as a box-to-box midfielder while also able to operate in a holding role.
Central midfield has been a problem area for United throughout the season under interim manager Ralf Rangnick and his predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The partnership of Scott McTominay and Fred has received mixed reviews while Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are set to leave this summer at the expiry of their contracts.
De Jong is an experienced operator with more potential to develop and Ten Hag may view him as a solution to address United's midfield weakness. The highly-regarded manager's arrival may also kickstart Donny van de Beek's career at Old Trafford, which has stalled since his £40million arrival two years ago.
