Manchester United have needed a defensive midfielder for many years now. Last season the problem was more obvious than ever though as the McFred partnership collapsed and an ageing Nemanja Matic was left as the only natural number six of the club.
Throughout the season, United have been linked with multiple players in the position. Declan Rice is admired by United but West Ham's valuation of £150m has likely priced the English midfielder out of a move.
It's a vital role, but it seems with the departure of Paul Pogba, United have turned their attention to a midfielder further up the field. Erik ten Hag wants to reunite with Frenkie de Jong at Old Trafford and the club are working on a move.
Read more: Erik ten Hag must listen to Ralf Rangnick's advice on Jadon Sancho
However, United are struggling to secure a deal. De Jong is at his dream club in Barcelona and he wants to play in the Champions League next season.
But while United have been working on De Jong, other clubs have been doing their business. Though the club were never legitimately credited with an interest in signing Boubacar Kamara or Aurelien Tchouameni, some United fans wanted the club to sign one or the other as they believed they would be perfect to fill the void in the team.
Kamara was signed on a free by Aston Villa and Tchouameni has now joined Real Madrid in an £85m deal. United fans are not happy due to the club seemingly falling behind in the transfer market while pursuing De Jong. They made their thoughts known on social media:
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