Manchester United are not considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with their focus remaining on Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, reports in Germany claim.
The Red Devils are looking to add midfield reinforcements to Erik ten Hag’s squad, adding to impressive business that has seen Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui head to Old Trafford.
A 1-0 win over Fulham got United’s Premier League campaign off to the perfect start, courtesy of a late debut goal for Zirkzee, and one particularly pleasing aspect for Ten Hag was the performance levels of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo – the former has been extensively linked with a move away after a difficult 2023/24 campaign.
Scott McTominay entered the game late on to help United get over the line, but Ugarte has been targeted to add greater depth to Ten Hag’s options.
The Uruguayan was left out of PSG’s squad to face Le Havre in Ligue 1 on Friday night as talks continue with United, and Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg insists he remains the player that is wanted and not long-term target De Jong.
Links to United have resurfaced in recent weeks, owing to Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes, but it’s alleged that no fresh contact has been made in regards to a move to Manchester.
A potential switch is not even being considered, with other options on the table even if a move for Ugarte falls through.
Barcelona have always stressed publicly that De Jong is not for sale, with the player’s commitment to the club seemingly unwavering despite being owed a significant amount of money in the past.
Teammate Raphinha has also been linked with a move to Man Utd, should Antony or Jadon Sancho end up leaving the 13-time Premier League winners before the August 30 deadline day, but the Brazilian may need convincing that leaving Spain is the right step for his career.
What we know
- De Jong a long-term target of Erik ten Hag and Manchester United
- The Red Devils still looking to add steel in central midfield
- Dutchman continues to be linked with Barcelona exit as financial worries continue.