Contrary to rumors that the Netherlands international was on his way to Old Trafford, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez claims Frenkie de Jong never came close to joining Manchester United last summer.

The former Ajax star, according to Xavi, is eager to take on his former manager Erik ten Hag on Thursday in the Europa League.

In the summer of 2022, De Jong was Manchester United's top target for the midfield position, but reports claimed that he declined a transfer to Manchester and even preferred to accept a pay cut in order to stay in Barcelona.

De Jong will file out with Barcelona on Thursday evening against Manchester at Camp Nou and Xavi insists the Dutch side always wanted to stay at Barcelona – and is now playing some of his best football.

“I think he was really clear to me: he wanted to stay with us." "There was no doubt,” he said at his post-match press conference on Wednesday.

"Now that he’s our player, I’m really happy and satisfied with his performances and his leadership." "He's in a very good moment, like all the team, and I think Frenkie is enjoying being on the pitch, and this is the most important thing.”