it's a nothing story. Of course the local media will put out the narrative that the player doesn't want to leave, but evil La Liga is forcing them to sell. But even if you concede that incompetence has been rife at United over the past few years: they wouldn't spend weeks negotiating a fee and payment structure if there were any doubts about the player being open to make the switch. I'm sure he loves Barcelona and would prefer the stay, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't go to United and be professional about it. Ten Hag is key here, and there's been every indication from Dutch and English media that de Jong would welcome working with him at United. United fans are understandably wary after getting burned by di Maria, but this is a completely different situation. Di Maria has stated many times that van Gaal contributed to him being miserable ... Ten Hag knows de Jong well and knows how to use him on the field. It'll be fine.
United have had a slow start to this summer, but it seems that was mostly down to the de Jong fee and budgeting accordingly. Read somewhere today (Guardian, I think?) that Eriksen is still mulling over offers, but is tempted by United. If they manage to bring in de Jong, Malacia and Eriksen over the next few days, then things don't look all that grim anymore. Can then focus on raiding Ajax for a couple of their players
