De Jong shines for Barcelona and Xavi comment may dash hope for Man United fans

With the LaLiga season set to get underway this weekend, it was Xavi's last chance to run the rule over his new signings ahead of their opening clash with Rayo Vallecano.

The club's £42million arrival from Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski, got things underway in style by converting just three minutes into the clash, before providing assists for Pedri's first-half brace.

While Raphinha started the clash after joining from Leeds, Jules Kounde was introduced after an hour of the match to a rapturous applause from the Nou Camp faithful, no doubt justifying his decision to turn down Chelsea in favour of a move to Spain.

Ousmane Dembele and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also found the back of the net, before Dutch midfielder De Jong wrapped up the 6-0 victory.

Introduced at half-time, the 25-year-old dictated the game in the second-half and showed exactly why Manchester United are so keen to sign him this summer.

De Jong to United is one of the long-running transfer sagas of the summer with Erik ten Hag determined to bring his former Ajax star to Old Trafford.

While it remains to be seen if the move will come off, speculation will no doubt be fuelled by Barcelona coach Xavi's post-match comments on the midfielder, in which he refused to confirm where the midfielder will be playing this term.

He said: "I don't know what will happen to Frenkie de Jong.

"Until August 31st anything can happen, but he knows what I think and what the club want and need.

"Of course I'm counting on him, he's a great player."