After an embarrassing transfer chase, Man Utd ultimately "admit defeat" in their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong

After a summer-long transfer controversy, Manchester United is about to concede defeat in its chase of Frenkie de Jong.

De Jong was Erik ten Hag's primary target during the summer transfer window because Barcelona was eager to get rid of him from their payroll. The Dutchman prefers to remain with the La Liga heavyweights and has refused to transfer to Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is still after the 25-year-old despite the deal's stutter. One of Ten Hag's team's key weaknesses is the midfield, where the starting duo of Fred and Scott McTominay has drawn harsh criticism after Sunday's loss to Brighton.

It was believed that United and Barca had already reached an agreement on a cost of around £70 million. However, given De Jong's persistent refusal to accept personal terms, United is prepared to grudgingly give up on the Dutch international.

According to the Daily Mail, Ten Hag has "resigned himself" to missing out on his #1 aim after becoming "frustrated." Although the Red Devils were "sure" they could get De Jong, it is becoming more and more apparent that he won't be arriving.

The prospects of seeing De Jong wear a United jersey are characterized as "hanging by a thread," but they are not completely given up hope. United are already looking at options now that De Jong seems out of reach, including Adrien Rabiot.

Ten Hag was given a glimpse into exactly how much work he needs to do when his team was defeated by Brighton, and even if they do get Rabiot, the inability to sign De Jong is a huge blow. Ten Hag reportedly prioritized De Jong because he thought he would have been essential to the type of play he wants to install.

According to another source, Ten Hag believed he did not need to compile a list of backup plans because United was so shocked that a move for De Jong did not pan out. But as the summer wore on, it was easy to see that De Jong was reluctant to reunite with Ten Hag.