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Manchester United have been handed a transfer boost, as Paris Saint-German (PSG) have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
The midfielder's future has been quite uncertain, even though he has reiterated his decision to stay in Catalonia last summer. However, the Blaugrana are currently dealing with financial problems, and they know that Frenkie de Jong can be sold for an impressive fee. The 26-year-old's wages would also be off their books, freeing up much-needed funds for investments into the squad.
Manchester United have chased after De Jong in recent years, making an open push for him as their No. 1 transfer target under Erik ten Hag. However, he resolutely refused to leave Camp Nou. With interest in the midfielder rising, there have been rumors about a potential move to other European giants, including PSG and Bayern Munich.
The Parisian giants are likely to see Kylian Mbappe leave this summer. Hence, they will need to delve deep into the transfer market to find replacements and make key signings for the future. While they had De Jong on their radar as one such signing, SPORT (via Sports Mole) have reported that the Parisians aren't interested in him.
It is believed that the club hierarchy will have their focus on Mbappe's replacement instead. This will pave the way for Manchester United to sign Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman, although willing to renew his contract, will reportedly not mind an exit from Barcelona this summer.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag complains about injury problems at Old Trafford
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has openly bemoaned the injury crises he has had to manage at Old Trafford this season. Notably, since he joined up with Manchester United in 2022, he hasn't always had his preferred first XI on the pitch.
He said as much, as he spoke to the press ahead of their win over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, April 21. He said (via Eurosport):
"What concerns me is that in 18 months, I have never had my favourite team on the pitch once, because players were injured - that concerns me. In fact, there was only one time, against City at home last season. That is the only time I had a full squad to pick my full team."
He added:
"In all the other games, there was an injury aspect that we have had to deal with. That's normal in football, but not as many as we have had. I know that when we've had so many injuries in crucial key positions, you can't deliver the results you want to bring. That's OK, but that's my truth - others can have different truths but I can't put any energy into that."
Manchester United managed to beat Coventry City on penalties in the semi-finals. They will face Manchester City once more in the final, but it is unlikely that he will have his preferred XI on the pitch.
