Frenkie de Jong speaks out on failed Manchester United move as Antony sends message

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Here are your Manchester United morning headlines on Thursday, September 22. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong has admitted that he always wanted to stay at Barcelona during the summer transfer window amid Manchester United's long-term interest in his signature.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News back in May, United quickly identified the Netherlands international as their top target to strengthen their respective midfield options.

De Jong had worked with Reds manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax and the latter was keen for a reunion at Old Trafford. United agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign De Jong at the end of June, reaching an agreement over an initial €65million (£56.14m) fee.

However, the Reds were unable to advance with their quest to sign the 25-year-old because he was owed €17million in deferred wages. ALSO READ: Guardiola has made Manchester United's next Marcus Rashford decision easy The Reds, despite chasing the former Ajax ace for more than 100 days, were eventually forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, signing Casemiro from Real Madrid, though he is a different kind of player to De Jong.