Erik ten Hag praised the “unique” talent of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong ahead of a reunion with his former Ajax charge on Thursday. Manchester United face Barca at Camp Nou in the first leg of their Europa League play-off clash, a game that will see De Jong face the club he was widely expected to join last summer. The Dutchman stayed put but Ten Hag has lauded his talent.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag heaped praise on “unique” Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong as he was quizzed on last summer’s transfer saga.
De Jong was heavily linked with an Old Trafford move throughout the transfer window, but the Netherlands international ultimately ended up staying put at Camp Nou.
Ahead of the clash between the two clubs in Spain on Thursday night for the first leg of their Europa League play-off clash, Ten Hag was inevitably asked about his former Ajax charge.
“I think we have a class in 2019 [at Ajax] that was a team with a lot of fascination and he brings a lot of that fascination, and I think he develops in the years after and here and in Spain he became even better,” Ten Hag said.
“He’s a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him.
“Xavi was asked about De Jong’s links to United earlier in the day and said “Frenkie wanted to stay with us, there was not a doubt.”
Asked for his perspective on why the much-anticipated move didn’t go ahead, a laughing Ten Hag replied: “I don’t know if we wanted him.”
He added: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality. If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger.”
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Thursday’s clash marks a heavyweight encounter for such an early stage of European football’s second-tier tournament.
United are in the Europa League due to their sixth-place Premier League finish last term, while Barca dropped down from the Champions League after finishing third in their group.
“I think both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League and to have an impact in it, to make semi-finals and win, even,” said Ten Hag.
“But the reality is we’re in the Europa League, which shows both clubs needed a reset.“I think it’s exciting to face each other tomorrow night because it will help both clubs. With such tests, you get better.”
SOURCE: eurosport.co.uk
