Manchester United could revisit a target if Barcelona decide to sell Frenkie de Jong, with El Nacional reporting a valuation of around €65 million. United remain interested, although signing another midfielder is not their most urgent priority.
De Jong is attractive, but the fee demands a clear role and a strong case for spending heavily in central midfield. Barcelona reportedly will not discount the price for English clubs, so United must judge the deal on footballing value rather than reputation.
At 28, the Netherlands international offers qualities that can help a side build attacks from deep. He receives the ball under pressure, changes direction to escape tight spaces and carries possession through the first line of a press. His short passing keeps moves flowing, while forward distribution helps teammates find space between opposition lines.
Those traits could prove valuable for Manchester United under Michael Carrick. The former United midfielder built his reputation on calm distribution and positional awareness. Carrick could ask De Jong to collect possession from the centre-backs, draw opponents out and find progressive passes.
He would not solve every midfield problem. De Jong is a controller rather than a specialist ball-winner, and United would still need athleticism and defensive discipline around him. Pairing him with a mobile midfielder who covers ground and protects transitions would be essential when United commit bodies forward.
Would De Jong justify €65 million for Manchester United under Carrick?
The tactical case is persuasive if Carrick wants United to dominate possession rather than rely on hurried transitions. De Jong could offer a reliable route through the middle, helping defenders play forward instead of going long. His ability to escape pressure could prove useful against aggressive pressing teams.
Yet €65 million remains a major outlay for a player whose best work depends on the structure around him. United must assess his wages and fitness record before making a move. The fee makes sense if he becomes central to their build-up, rather than another expensive name added without a settled plan.
My view is that this transfer makes more footballing sense under Carrick than in a system that expects De Jong to act as a defensive destroyer. He could set the rhythm, connect defence with attack and give United composure in possession. But United need the right partner and enough budget for other needs. At €65 million, they would be buying a solution, not a complete midfield.
