Erik ten Hag made his former Ajax starlet his top transfer target following his arrival at Old Trafford last summer but despite a three-month long pursuit of the midfielder, the club failed to get a deal over the line.
United instead turned to Casemiro, signing the Brazil international in a deal that could rise to £70million from Real Madrid.
The 31-year-old has had a transformative effect on the club, helping end their six-year trophy drought with a goal in the Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle United on Sunday with his side still competing on three other fronts this term.
Keen on further midfield reinforcements, Ten Hag has not given up hope of signing de Jong and United have once again made him one of their top summer transfer targets.
With United’s prospects looking far brighter than they did last year, the ten Hag is hopeful of convincing his fellow Dutchman to leave Barcelona with the club on course to seal their return to the Champions League next season.
Talksport also report de Jong may me more tempted than he was last year, with the prospect of partnering Casemiro in United’s midfield an ‘attractive proposition’ for the 25-year-old.
De Jong had a taste of the Old Trafford atmosphere as United dumped Barcelona out of the Europa League last week with ten Hag also hoping that will help persuade the midfielder to make the move.
It was reported that United agreed a fee of €75million (£63m) with Barcelona for the midfielder last year, but complicated negotiations ensured the move never materialised.
While there were questions over what role he would have under Xavi this season, de Jong has been a key player this season, making 21 La Liga appearances with Barca at the top of La Liga.
Speaking ahead of the Europa League ties with the Spanish giants last month, ten Hag made no secret of his continued admiration of the player.
‘He is a fantastic player playing out from the back, you always have time so it was a pleasure to work with him,’ the United boss said.
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MORE : Former Manchester United star urges Erik ten Hag to snub Harry Kane and sign ‘amazing’ Tottenham teammate instead
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