If all goes well this summer, Erik ten Hag will reunite with Frenkie de Jong at Manchester United. The duo previously had a close relationship with Ajax, achieving success together during their stay in Amsterdam. And the Dutch international, along with James Garner, could both be the modern versions of Michael Carrick, 52, if they end up sharing a dressing room together.
Manchester United are pushing and pushing to land De Jong this summer.
The Barcelona star is Ten Hag’s main transfer target and the league giants are willing to sell as they seek to balance their finances.
United have been looking for a deal all summer and, although the 25-year-old has yet to arrive, there is still hope that they can reach that deal.
And, if that happens, then the Red Devils may finally have their replacement for Carrick.
Since the England international retired in 2017, the club has had no midfield manager, a general, someone to make things work in the middle of the park.
That would never be Paul Pogba, with the French international rather a box-to-box player.
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Also Marouane Fellaini, although no one still knows where Donny van de Beek fits into the current side.
Fred seems to be better at moving forward than sitting down, something that became apparent during Ralf Rangnick’s time in the dugout, while Scott McTominay is more versatile than a specialist.
De Jong, however, breathes quality and class.
The Dutch international never strays from the ball. He wants it, on his feet, to be able to move forward and make things happen.
He is also a leader, as evidenced by his excellent performances in the national team.
Although his move to Barcelona is not over yet, there is a feeling that the Catalan giants have been misusing the 25-year-old during their time with each other.
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De Jong has not been authorized to be conductor, and this role is usually given to veteran Sergio Busquets.
But at United, Ten Hag has a plan.
He knows exactly how to get the best out of the midfielder, who flourished under the 52-year-old when Ajax reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2019.
Ten Hag intends to make it all happen for De Jong when he takes over at the club, allowing his compatriot to be the main man.
And that is exactly what Sir Alex Ferguson did with Carrick during his stay at Old Trafford between them.
Many lifted the old ones when United spent £ 17 million on landing the England international in the 2006 summer transfer window.
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But Carrick, like Paul Scholes, was allowed to direct the show.
And that decision paid off, with Carrick playing a key role, as the club won five Premier League and Champions League titles.
Then there’s Garner.
The 21-year-old was compared to Carrick by Solskjaer in 2019, shortly after the youngster debuted in a win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
“I think he has a chance to have a great future,” Solskjaer said. “He knows we believe in him, we have a lot of faith in him like the next Michael Carrick.
“I know he’s young and I know it’s not fair for kids to compare himself to great players like Michael was, but he’s the same model, he makes simple passes, he plays through the lines.”
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And Solskjaer added: “You’re at Man United. Michael had the pressure to come after Roy Keane, that’s how it goes at Man United.”
And Garner has done no harm in being in the United squad under Ten Hag next season.
With four goals and eight assists for Nottingham Forest in the league last season, he still has a bright future ahead.
Ten Hag is poised to make a final decision on Garner during the preseason, when the club tour Thailand, Australia and Norway.
And it is feasible for the young Englishman to have a chance to show what he is up to next quarter.
Both Garner and De Jong can act as Carrick’s substitutes, and they would certainly be an elegant midfield pair if allowed.