Man Utd legend ‘would love’ to see Ten Hag sign £72m star who could transform two positions for Red Devils

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has sung the praises of a Barcelona ace after their exhilarating draw with Erik ten Hag’s side, explaining how he ‘would love’ to see the player operate at Old Trafford on a weekly basis.

Man Utd were drawn against Barca in the Europa League knockout round play-off after finishing second in their group, behind Real Sociedad. Barca, meanwhile, were originally in the Champions League but dropped down after only managing third place in their group.

As soon as the draw was made, it got both sets of fans excited. It is rare for two massive clubs like Man Utd and Barca to meet so early on in the Europa League. And the first leg, held at the Camp Nou, did not disappoint.

Man Utd performed well in the first half and should have gone in front when striker Wout Weghorst was sent through on goal. He saw his left-footed drive saved by Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Instead, it was the home side who took the lead. Marcos Alonso headed home from a Raphinha corner in the 50th minute. But Barca’s joy did not last long, with the on-fire Marcus Rashford breezing past Alonso before somehow beating Ter Stegen at his near post from a tight angle.

And Man Utd fans were sent wild when Man Utd took the lead seven minutes later. Rashford was at the heart of it again, beating Raphinha and driving into the box before putting the ball into a dangerous area. Barca failed to clear and defender Jules Kounde was the unlucky player to score an own goal.

But Man Utd could not hold on for the win. Raphinha sent in a cross from deep with 14 minutes of normal time left and it went all the way into David de Gea’s bottom corner. Robert Lewandowski looked like he was going to get a touch but missed it, confusing the keeper and resulting in Man Utd conceding.

The tie is delicately poised at 2-2, with Barca set to travel to Old Trafford in six days’ time for what should be an exciting second leg.

Man Utd, Barcelona clash follows transfer saga

There was plenty of talk before the match about Man Utd’s desire to sign midfielder Frenkie de Jong in summer 2022. They reached a £72million agreement with Barca for him, only for the Dutchman to reject their advances as he wanted to stay at the Camp Nou.

De Jong did not enjoy his finest of performances against the Red Devils, but he still did well in midfield with some neat and tidy play.

Scholes, who appeared over 700 times for Man Utd, has praised De Jong and revealed his desire to see the 25-year-old play under Ten Hag.

“You would love to see Frenkie de Jong play at Old Trafford, he can play deeper as a pivot or a little bit further forward which I think is his best position,” Scholes said on BT Sport (via the Daily Mirror).

“A fantastic footballer, can dribble and I think United fans will be looking out for him today. But I’m sure all the big teams in the Premier League would love to have this guy because he makes you that much better.”

Ten Hag love for Frenkie de Jong makes sense

It is easy to see why Ten Hag wanted to sign De Jong so badly. When he is on it, he makes Barca tick by building up the play before getting their electric attackers involved.

He did not do this enough against Man Utd in the first leg, although Ten Hag will be aware of his ability to potentially improve in the second leg.

De Jong can either play as a defensive midfielder, operating just in front of the back four, or as more of a number eight who goes from box to box. As such, he could improve Man Utd in two positions.

Man Utd’s midfield would be brilliant if they succeeded in pursuing De Jong. He could form a solid partnership with Casemiro, with either Bruno Fernandes or Christian Eriksen able to play as a number 10 when both are fit.

Although, there are two concerning factors Ten Hag must consider. The first is whether Man Utd will ever be able to prize the Netherlands international away from Barca. After all, he is fully committed to the Spanish giants. He wants to help them get back to their former glory.

Secondly, De Jong arriving would force one current Man Utd player out. Casemiro, Fernandes and Eriksen have all been great under Ten Hag. So none of that trio would want to sit on the bench regularly.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will compete with Man Utd for a classy operator who is available at a cut-price fee, according to reports.