The Red Devils pursued De Jong throughout the summer of 2022. The Dutchman reportedly turned down a move to the Premier League club.
United’s interest appeared to subside before it was claimed earlier this month that De Jong might become available in a few months’ time. They could rival the likes of Paris Saint-Germain for his signature in the summer.
However, De Jong has been unimpressed by the nature of reports linking him with a departure from Camp Nou. He claims he has been made ‘angry’ and has slammed ‘fake news’ regarding his future.
“Recently I am a little angry with what the press write in general. A lot of stuff that is not true. I can’t understand it, people reporting lies. It’s irritating me a little,” the 26-year-old said on Tuesday.
“There are lot of fake news in the press. Some of you should feel ashamed, this has to stop. People invented numbers of my salary. I’m very happy at Barca, I hope to stay here for many years.
“I’m great. You have to change the lies. I know that there are many things that are invented. There are many things that are not true with players, coaches.”
Mundo Deportivo claimed earlier this month that Barca would be willing to sell De Jong for around £90million. Those claims are likely to have piqued the interest of United who failed to sign the former Ajax star in 2022.
Erik ten Hag identified De Jong as a top target following his move from Ajax. The pair had worked together in the Eredivisie and Ten Hag wanted to improve the technical quality of United’s midfield.
A transfer saga spanned the length of the summer window that year but a move did not materialise. It is widely claimed that although United agreed a fee with Barca, De Jong was not sold on a move to Old Trafford and remained with the cash-strapped Catalan outfit.
United may choose to chase De Jong again this summer but they will have strong competition from across Europe. De Jong has been a key player for Barca this season, playing 90 minutes in all but one of his 17 La Liga appearances.
An ankle injury kept him out for several months prior to Christmas but he is now back to his best. De Jong will now hope to help Barca overturn a tough first half of the La Liga season.
