The Frenkie de Jong saga through the summer of 2022 was long, arduous, and ultimately fruitless for Manchester United as they failed to convince the Dutch midfielder to make the move.Man United renew Frenkie de Jong interest
According to Graeme Bailey of 90min, Man United remain interested in De Jong and are attempting to reignite their pursuit this winter.
De Jong began this season as a backup at Barcelona, coming off the bench in three of the team’s first four matches, but has grown into a more consistent role as the season progressed. He started in eight of the team’s last 10 league matches, and was a key component of the Netherlands squad in the 2022 World Cup.
The 90min report claims that while De Jong held publicly that he never entertained the move to Old Trafford last summer, the actual roadblock was “Barcelona’s repayment of millions of euros in deferred wages throughout the pandemic period back to De Jong,” and this yet unresolved issue remains the biggest barrier to securing a move.
Manchester United have competition for Alexis Mac Allister
Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had a sensational World Cup, becoming an unexpected component of the Argentina title run. This has caused a flurry of rumors to pop up around the 23-year-old midfielder who has scored five goals in 14 Premier League appearances so far this season.
Mac Allister just recently signed a new Brighton contract in October that runs through the summer of 2025, but that may not be enough to ward off outside interest. According to Spanish tabloid Fichajes, there is interest on the Manchester United side that could play out this winter.
The report states there will be serious competition from Arsenal for Mac Allister’s signature, and this could be a continuing saga through the entire winter window.
Man United considering Emiliano Martinez as De Gea replacement
According to a report by Football Insider, there is “concrete interest” from Manchester United’s camp in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
‘Dibu’ starred for Argentina in their World Cup title run, becoming a central figure in a pair of penalty shootouts against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and in the final against France. He also made a massive save late in the final against Randal Kolo Muani that kept the game level and helped Argentina lift the trophy.
contract talks with current starter David de Gea remain “ongoing,” but with the Spaniard’s deal expiring this summer, there is the possibility that Man United move on from their longtime goalkeeper.
De Gea was not part of the Spain squad at the 2022 World Cup, a further indication that his perceived poor form has caught up with him for both country and perhaps his club.