Manchester United fans have slammed Barcelona boss Xavi for 'disrespecting' transfer target Frenkie de Jong despite the Spaniard reiterating his importance to the team.
De Jong, who is known for his vision, dribbling and passing in a deep lying midfield role, has been used in central defence by Xavi on occasion including off the bench in their El Clasico tie against Real Madrid on Saturday evening (July 23).
Xavi was asked about the positional change after the fixture, in which Raphinha scored the only goal, insisting that it was not a message of his importance to the squad.READ MORE: Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong blasts Barcelona by liking Instagram post Spanish outlet Cope report that Xavi said: "I do not send any message (by playing him in defence). "I have chatted with him, he knows how much I value him, I value him very much as a footballer."We have had very important private conversations that I will not reveal here.
For me, he is a fundamental player for the team's play." Will Man Utd win major silverware under Eric ten Hag? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below. One United fan wrote in response: "This is so so disrespectful I don’t know why frenkie wants to stay they owe him money and he’s getting moved to CB."With a second adding: "Nahh the lengths they’re going to disrespect this man.."A third continued: "This guy is staying at barca to play CB?
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