Jaap Stam is ready to jump on his bike and pedal all the way to Barcelona—just to bring Frenkie de Jong back to Manchester United. The legendary defender believes his fellow Dutchman is the missing piece for a club hungry for dominance.
After a summer splurge on forwards and a new goalkeeper, United’s engine room is finally in the spotlight. Names like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Sandro Tonali have all been tossed around, but Stam insists there’s only one player who truly fits the bill.
“Frenkie de Jong would be the ideal player for Man Utd,” Stam says with conviction. “He’s world-class, so comfortable on the ball. Yes, we can talk about his physicality, but when you control the game with your feet, you don’t need to defend much.”
De Jong has been battered by injuries during his seven seasons at Barcelona, but Stam sees past the scars. “He’s one of the best midfielders in the world,” the treble winner declares. “If the opportunity is there, I’ll help. I’ll go on my bike to Barcelona and bring him to United—no problem.”
The midfield isn’t the only area Stam has his eye on. Micky van de Ven, De Jong’s Netherlands teammate, is also on his radar. “He’s ready to step up,” Stam says, noting the Tottenham defender’s blistering pace and versatility. “If Spurs go down, the competition for him will be fierce. Liverpool, United—he’d be a great addition for either.”
But Stam has been most blown away by Michael Carrick’s transformation of United. Picking up the pieces after Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign, Carrick has dragged the Red Devils back into the Champions League. “I can’t imagine they’d go for someone else now,” Stam marvels. “He knows the club, he knows the feeling. It’s time to give him the job—otherwise, when do you ever gain that experience?”
As the summer transfer window looms, one thing is clear: Stam is ready to lead the charge, whether on two wheels or by sheer will, to bring the players United need back to the Theatre of Dreams.
