Man United told to issue Frenkie de Jong ‘ultimatum’ after ’embarrassing’ development – pundit
Man United should give Frenkie de Jong and Barcelona an “ultimatum” with a date the transfer must be completed by, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed it is getting “embarrassing” for United and they must have some “self-respect”.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday (12 July) that the two clubs have agreed a €65million (£55.1million) fee for the 25-year-old.
However, the player’s priority is still to stay at Barca but does not want to accept a pay cut as they try and balance their books.
“It’s going to come to the stage where Man United need to have some self-respect,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“A club of Man United’s stature, how have they fallen where De Jong has said ‘Let me keep you on hold and make my mind up in a couple of months’.
“That isn’t how Man United are used to being treated, usually it’s ‘I’ll sign for Man United, let’s get it done’.
“It’s a bit embarrassing for them the longer it goes on, to be honest.
“Maybe they’ve got to give him an ultimatum and say ‘There is this date. You either sign or we are moving on to other players’.”
Erik ten Hag has only added young left-back Tyrell Malacia to the United squad this summer.
De Jong and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax before the midfielder’s €75 million move to Barcelona in the summer of 2019.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has insisted Man United are shielded from a Cristiano Ronaldo exit blow by a £75million-a-year deal.