Frenkie de Jong explains why he turned down Manchester United's move

Frenkie de Jong was one of the biggest headlines during the summer transfer window, as he was expected to be interested in reuniting with his former manager, Erik ten Hag, who approached him after taking over as manager of Manchester United this season.

The Dutch international is highly rated by his compatriot, who previously used him at Ajax and was eager to sign him for his new club as part of his Old Trafford rebuilding project.

Despite Barcelona reaching an €80 million agreement with Manchester United after two months of long negotiations between the two parties, Frenkie de Jong rejected the move and insisted on remaining at Barcelona.

Though Barcelona wanted him to leave to make room for new signings, De Jong explained in an interview why he turned down the chance to join Manchester United or Chelsea, who were also heavily linked with his transfer in the final hours of the transfer window.

"I already decided in May that I wanted to stay at Barcelona, and I never changed this decision," Frenkie de Jong said on international duty with the Netherlands national team.

Since the summer transfer window, De Jong has only started three of Barcelona's six La Liga games, coming on as a substitute in the others. The central midfielder has expressed his desire to start every game and has vowed to make sure he reclaims his position in the starting eleven.

"I played eight games this season, of which I started four games," De Jong added." In the biggest game, against Bayern Munich, I came on as a substitute, but I wanted to play from the beginning. I just have to make sure that I recover my starting spot. "

Following the summer arrival of talented Ivorian central midfielder Franck Kessié, as well as the presence of Barcelona's two academy graduates, Pedri and Gavi, who play in the same position, De Jong faces stiff competition for a spot in Xavi's starting lineup.

With so much depth in the Barcelona squad, the Spanish giants are coming off a disappointing run last season. They have had a great start to the season, winning five of their first six La Liga games and drawing one.

Frenkie de Jong's desire to stay at Camp Nou would please Barcelona manager Xavi, and it could be crucial for him in competing for trophies this season after handing him full minutes in Barcelona's last two La Liga games.