Frenkie de Jong snubs Man Utd transfer question in Netherlands press conference

The Dutch currently sit top of Group A and a win over Qatar, who are already eliminated from the tournament, will secure their place in the last 16.

De Jong, meanwhile, has started in both of Netherlands’ group games so far and will be a key part of Louis van Gaal’s side if they make the latter stages of the competition.

The 25-year-old was Manchester United’s top priority in the summer transfer window but he was intent on staying at Barcelona, despite the club’s best efforts to force him to move on.

And speaking ahead of Netherlands’ clash with Qatar, De Jong was in no mood to reflect on his possible transfer to United.

When asked how close he was to joining United in the summer, De Jong replied: ‘I am at a World Cup tournament. I am not going to talk about club football.’

Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal insists Netherlands should still be careful with Memphis Depay’s playing time as a hamstring injury has restricted the start of his tournament.

‘We are not taking any chances with Memphis,’ said Van Gaal.

‘To become world champion, we need him. We are doing everything we can to bring him to the next competitions in the best possible way.

‘Now it’s the group stage, then it’s really about the real thing. Memphis also has to deliver.’

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