Manchester United added Christian Eriksen and Casemiro to their midfield in the summer transfer window.
Eriksen joined the Red Devils as a free agent and the Brazilian arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in August.
Prior to signing Casemiro, Manchester United showed firm interest in Frenkie de Jong and had agreed a deal with Barcelona. Their interest was driven by Erik ten Hag, who had previously managed the 25-year-old at Ajax.
A deal didn’t take shape and the Netherlands international is still at the Camp Nou. He is in line to feature in Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
Ahead of the weekend clash, Ziggo Sport interviewed De Jong and specifically asked him about Manchester United’s attempts to secure his services in the last window.
“I have to say that I was actually quite calm myself because actually very early on, I decided for myself that I wanted to stay at Barcelona. And yes, in the meantime my understanding of my opinion about it has not changed so I have remained calm,” he said.
“I knew what I wanted and then you know, that in such a period, some pressure will come and things like that…”
When asked whether the pressure came from the newspapers and the Barca president. De Jong explained: “Yes, yes. Exactly just a little bit from all sides. And you know that in advance how that goes. But in the end, I wanted to stay with Barcelona, so I was never really confused by it.”
His decision to snub Manchester United has not helped him enjoy regular game time this season at Barca. De Jong has made three league starts and one more in the Champions League.
