Let’s have a look at the 3 possible alternative options the Red Devils can sign instead.
Ruben Neves
Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves still remains a very attainable target. The Portuguese midfielder can reportedly be available for around £50m, which is less than what United are ready to pay for De Jong.
Neves is, most importantly, Premier League proven and excelled under the challenge of the league in a mid-table side like Wolves. The 25-year-old is the same age as Frenkie and shares a similar skillset.
He is defensively strong, an energetic figure in midfield and an expert with distributing the ball around. Moreover, Neves is also blessed with set-piece prowess which is an extra boon.
He has the chemistry of having played with Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot for Portugal and can be an ideal fit for the United midfield, as well as be an option to play as a defensive midfielder.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked to a move to United for many years now. He was even recently linked to a transfer to Old Trafford, as Lazio are reportedly ready to let him leave for around €70m.
Milinkovic-Savic is a commanding midfielder who can be the ideal Paul Pogba replacement. The Serbian is quite versatile, being able to play in deeper midfield roles and in an advanced position too.
He scored 11 goals and registered 11 assists for Lazio in Serie A last season, indicating that the 27-year-old can be another source of goals for United.
The Serbian midfielder is available for a lower fee than De Jong and has decent experience on his side. He can be a breath of fresh air for the Red Devils with his aggressive style and be a cheaper buy than Frenkie too.
Youri Tielemans
Another quality midfielder available for a cut-price deal is Leicester City man Youri Tielemans. As per The Telegraph, the Belgian international can be available for just £25m this summer as he is keen on moving to a major club.
Arsenal are reportedly pushing for his signing, but United can look to hijack their deal for him after doing so for Lisandro Martinez. Tielemans boasts three season’s worth of Premier League experience and has been one of Leicester’s best players in the last few campaigns.
He is the ideal modern midfielder. Tielemans can pass the ball around really well, press opposition players sharply and has an eye for scoring as well as setting up goals. He can be the calming figure United lack in midfield and is a considerably cheaper option than De Jong.
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