Manchester United told they can only sign Frenkie de Jong if they make tactical change

Mikael Silvestre has warned Manchester United that they can only sign Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona this summer if Erik ten Hag makes a tactical change.

Frenkie de Jong is a name that will haunt many Manchester United fans, with the player being involved in a three-month-long transfer saga that ultimately saw him stay at Barcelona rather than sign under Erik ten Hag.

During Ten Hag’s first summer as Old Trafford manager, in 2022, De Jong was said to be the Dutchman’s top target for midfield. However, with the player unwilling to make the transfer, United pulled the trigger on a £60 million deal for Real Madrid‘s Casemiro instead.

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However, with Barcelona needing to raise funds this summer, it has been claimed by the Spanish press that the 26-year-old is free to leave the Catalan city this summer – with Ten Hag still a huge admirer of the player.

Former United player Mikael Silvestre has explained that the club should certainly consider signing De Jong, but only if Ten Hag makes a tactical switch.

“If a player like Frenkie de Jong is available, he should be considered. But again, you look at Kobbie, and we talked about Scott, and we have Casemiro here,” he told bettingexpert.

“Will De Jong be an upgrade? Of course. Ahead of Kobbie, but if you want to continue developing Mainoo and give him the time, I don’t think De Jong should come in.”

Speaking further, he added that the club should only bring De Jong in if Ten Hag switches from playing two defensive midfielders to instead playing three midfielders, as that is where the Dutch player would shine best.

“If you qualify for the Champions League, then signing De Jong makes sense. You have to consider him for sure.

“He’s a top player, but putting him in a midfield where the manager likes to play with two defensive midfielders, if you play with three, it could be a different proposition.

“So the answer is yes, do consider him.”