Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is better suited to playing in a double midfield pivot, admitting he would like to see him added to Erik ten Hag's squad.
United identified De Jong as their top target during last summer's transfer window and chased the Dutchman's signature for more than 100 days in a pursuit that dominated the headlines. But despite agreeing a fee with Barcelona to lure him to Old Trafford, a dispute concerning unpaid wages at the Barca end of the deal meant the Reds were forced to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Nevertheless, United remain keen on the 25-year-old and have refused to rule out the prospect of making a fresh attempt to sign him this forthcoming summer. They plan to recruit a younger central midfielder ahead of next season and De Jong fits the bill.
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Last summer, United viewed De Jong as a progressive, forward-thinking midfielder, who would get on the ball between the lines and support the forwards. However, Scholes believes the former Ajax man is better suited to operating in a deeper role, drawing comparisons between him and Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets.
Asked if the Netherlands international is a player he would like to see added to United's squad, Scholes, speaking to BT Sport, said: "Yes, of course he is. I think he is better in the pivot position as a Busquets-type. I think he was probably brought here to replace Busquets, but Busquets keeps going. I know he is injured now. Now that Busquets is out of the team I think he is a little bit more suited to it.
"I don't think he liked playing in that forward role. Look, I might be wrong, but in my personal opinion I think he is better in the holding role when he can replace Busquets."
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