According to a report by Madrid Universal on Tuesday October 20, 2026, former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed more details about the club’s failed attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong was one of Ten Hag’s major transfer targets after the Dutchman took charge of Manchester United in 2022. Having previously worked with the midfielder at Ajax, Ten Hag believed De Jong could become a key figure in his plans to rebuild United’s midfield.

According to Ten Hag, Manchester United went to considerable lengths to convince the Netherlands international to make the move to Old Trafford.

“I did everything I could. I organised meetings with him in which Richard and John also participated to convince him to come,” Ten Hag said in an interview with The Athletic, referring to former United executives Richard Arnold and John Murtough.

Manchester United eventually reached an agreement with Barcelona over a transfer fee for the midfielder, but the deal did not go through because De Jong chose to remain at the Catalan club.

Ten Hag admitted that De Jong could have played a significant role in shaping the future of his Manchester United team.

“He could have been very important in building the team, not just that year, but also for the future. But we couldn’t make it happen,” he said.

Barcelona had been under financial pressure at the time and De Jong was considered one of the club’s most valuable assets. However, the midfielder remained committed to proving himself at Camp Nou.

His decision has since proved significant for Barcelona, with De Jong continuing to provide technical quality, composure in possession and the ability to carry the ball through midfield.

For Ten Hag, the failed transfer remains one of the clearest examples of how close Manchester United came to landing a player he considered fundamental to his plans.