Stam Ready to Play Matchmaker: De Jong the Missing Piece for United's Midfield Puzzle

Jaap Stam has thrown his considerable weight behind a summer raid on Barcelona, declaring Frenkie De Jong the "ideal player" to transform Manchester United's fortunes in the middle of the park. The former United defender has even offered to personally deliver the Dutch midfielder to Old Trafford, joking he'd "go on his bike to Barcelona" to bring him home.

United's midfield concerns have been simmering since last summer, when the club splashed over £200m on attacking reinforcements—Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha all arriving—while neglecting to bolster their engine room. The absence of a new midfielder left supporters frustrated heading into the campaign.

Now Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are determined to correct that oversight come the summer window. United are expected to pursue at least two midfielders alongside a left-back and left-winger, with several names already doing the rounds. Elliot Anderson at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Brighton's Carlos Baleba have all attracted speculation.

But Stam reckons De Jong—a player long tipped for a United move—holds the key. Speaking to ComeOn, he praised the Barcelona man's technical excellence and ball-playing ability, acknowledging that while De Jong may not be the most physically imposing presence in English football's brutal midfield battles, his quality on the ball aligns perfectly with Michael Carrick's vision.

"He's a world-class player," Stam explained. "One of the best midfield players there is. He's very comfortable on the ball, especially playing out from the back. That's exactly what Carrick wants—players who control the game and dictate play rather than relying on defensive work."

Stam also weighed in on another potential target: Tottenham's Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender, who can operate as both left-back and centre-back, represents the kind of versatile defensive asset any top side craves. While Stam suggested Spurs remain a big club, he hinted that United could offer van de Ven a clearer path forward.

"He'd be a great player for United," Stam said, noting that van de Ven's pace and athleticism would suit a side looking to dominate possession and press high, with the space behind the defence covered by rapid defenders.

Yet Stam's most passionate intervention concerns Carrick's future. After steering United into the Champions League with a 3-2 victory over Liverpool, the interim boss has compiled an impressive record of ten wins, two draws, and two losses. For Stam, there's only one logical conclusion.

"It's very hard not to give Michael Carrick the job," he insisted. "When he stepped in, look at how the team was playing, what he's changed. The feeling with the fans, the football, the results—getting into the Champions League. I cannot imagine the owners would go for somebody else."

Stam argued that experience elsewhere matters less than Carrick's deep knowledge of United's culture and recent history. Having managed the club before, he understands what needs fixing and can transmit that understanding to the players. Combine that with committed board backing, and Stam believes there's every reason to hand Carrick a long-term contract now, rather than dithering over more "experienced" names who've already failed at the club.

"If you want a young manager to develop," Stam concluded, "you have to give him the opportunity. Otherwise, how does he ever gain that experience at a club like United?"