If he had taken a paycut while playing at United, we would have lauded him for his commitment to the club. But since he is doing it at Barca, we are saying he has no ambition.
The truth is Barca have shown more ambition in the market this window, and are actually in the Champions League. As any top player would, he backs himself to get back in the 11.Most players would prefer that, than playing at United, who have not won any trophies in the last 4 years, and have a very spotty record at getting CL places. I totally get why he would prefer to stay at Barca, rather than "give up" and move to Utd.
We were not able to wrap other deals early in the window, because apparently we needed to know De Jong's price first, according to posters here. If that is so, that strategy has failed spectacularly, as most people here predicted. Now the season is gonna start in a week, we are no closer to De Jong, and other clubs are less willing to sell players(like Antony). Most other viable targets have already moved, we have not strengthened in areas we desperately needed(RB, RW, CF, DM), while Don Murtough is sitting with his dick in his hands. Shambles.