Here are your Manchester United morning headlines on Thursday, September 22.
Frenkie de Jong speaks out on failed Manchester United move
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong has admitted that he always wanted to stay at Barcelona during the summer transfer window amid Manchester United's long-term interest in his signature.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News back in May, United quickly identified the Netherlands international as their top target to strengthen their respective midfield options. De Jong had worked with Reds manager Erik ten Hag at Ajax and the latter was keen for a reunion at Old Trafford.
United agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign De Jong at the end of June, reaching an agreement over an initial €65million (£56.14m) fee. However, the Reds were unable to advance with their quest to sign the 25-year-old because he was owed €17million in deferred wages.
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The Reds, despite chasing the former Ajax ace for more than 100 days, were eventually forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, signing Casemiro from Real Madrid, though he is a different kind of player to De Jong.
The Dutchman has now spoken out about the failed transfer while on international duty with the Netherlands.
Antony sends message to PSG star Neymar while on Brazil duty
Manchester United winger Antony has claimed that Brazil teammate Neymar has helped him to play with 'confidence' and that it's 'important' to be working with him.
Antony arrived at Old Trafford from Ajax in the summer transfer window in a deal rising to €100million (£85.5m). The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract with the option of an additional year, becoming the club's second-most expensive signing.
The Brazilian attacker scored on his United debut earlier this month as Erik ten Hag 's side secured a 3-1 victory over Arsenal, with Marcus Rashford also grabbing a brace. Antony has made nine appearances for his country and was part of the side that won Olympic gold last year in Tokyo.
The United man will be competing with a number of high-quality players for a starting position with Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar next month. Despite making fewer than 10 appearances for his country so far, Antony has insisted that he has always been welcomed by his teammates — especially Neymar.
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