Man Utd went to lengths of making video montage to convince Frenkie de Jong to sign under Erik ten Hag - but Barcelona star never saw it

Erik ten Hag's sacking from Manchester United this week has uncovered details of his two-year tenure at the club, including the efforts made to sign De Jong upon his arrival in 2022. De Jong was Ten Hag's top target in midfield and United spent the majority of the summer trying to convince the Barcelona star of a move, even going as far as having a video montage of the Dutch international mocked up next to some of their club legends in an attempt to persuade him to join, but the player never saw it, according to The Athletic.

With United not playing in the Champions League during Ten Hag's first season and Barcelona still owing him deferred wages from his contract, De Jong was reluctant to move to Old Trafford and a switch never materialised. United ended up splashing the cash on Casemiro instead but the Brazilian failed to provide the creative spark in midfield that Ten Hag was hoping to gain from De Jong's signing.

Despite De Jong failing to watch United's video and be convinced of a transfer, the Premier League giants have continued to target the Barcelona midfielder since their initial approach and could try their luck again in January, with the Dutchman continuing to hold out over a contract renewal with the Catalans.

Although Man Utd still hold an interest in De Jong, the player was largely a Ten Hag target and the Dutch coach's sacking this week could end speculation over a renewed approach. United are in talks to appoint Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag's successor, although a formal announcement of the Sporting CP coach's future may be delayed for a number of weeks. De Jong, meanwhile, is continuing to focus on his fitness after returning from a long-term injury this month.