Manchester United legend Andy Cole has warned his former club against a “desperate” move for Frenkie de Jong, insisting they “can attract any top player”.
United agreed a £63m deal for De Jong with Barcelona in the summer, but the Dutch midfielder refused to be reunited with his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, and dug his heels in to remain with the Catalans.
United instead moved for Real Madrid’s Casemiro, but Ten Hag is still on the lookout for midfield additions and De Jong is thought to still be somewhere near the top of his wishlist.
Cole has warned United against the move, using the age old-classic line “this is Manchester United” to get his point across.
“I look at it from the outside, is Frenkie de Jong the midfield player that could do a job for Manchester United? No he’s no,” Cole told King Casino Bonus.
“De Jong is a very good player and there is no disputing that, but if you look at last season’s transfer saga and you have to wonder why would Manchester United want to put themselves in that position again?
“They need to go for players who actually want to come to the club like Casemiro did.
“Going in for De Jong again makes them look desperate, this is Manchester United football club we’re talking about here, if you don’t want to play for them then move on to your next option.
“It’s not like Manchester United is a non-league football club, the answer to the move should be yes or no, not a maybe.”
Cole is also under the impression that United can sign anyone they want, and should be chasing the cream of the crop.
“I just want Manchester United to know they can go out there and attract any top player,” he explained. “It’s not about money, these top players that are available will all be fought for and paid a decent wage anyway, so that makes no difference any more.
“Players will look at their chances to win the Premier League, FA Cup or League Cup and the Champions League. Everyone wants to win their domestic league and Champions League. Look at Real Madrid’s form in La Liga compared to when they play in the Champions League, it’s like they play two separate teams but it’s just a case of mentality.”
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