According to De Telegraaf, Erik ten Hag is still interested in bringing Ajax center-back Jurrien Timber to Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Dutch tactician is the favorite to take over as manager at Old Trafford on a permanent basis. Current interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be replaced by a permanent manager once the season ends.
If Ten Hag accepts to sign for the club, he will face a big task in rebuilding the current United squad. However, he could take his first step of squad rebuilding by signing Jurrien Timber from his parent club Ajax.
Since Matthijs de Ligt’s move to Juventus, Timber has been given the chance to play as the main center-back. The 20-year-old has lived up to the expectations with his impressive performances. He can play out from the back, performs crucial tackles, and is skilled with the ball at his feet.
While there are certain flaws that need to be addressed, Timber’s potential is undeniable, and he has the ability to develop into a world-class center-back in the coming years. As a full-back, he is capable of playing on either wing. At Old Trafford, this versatility will undoubtedly provide ten Hag with more alternatives.
In recent transfer windows, Manchester United has spent heavily on Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane. The French defender is yet to stabilize himself in the squad and Maguire has been putting in underwhelming performances.
Other players like Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly bolster the team’s numbers, but they’re not much better.
Adding Timber to the mix is unlikely to provide a quick fix. The young defender still has a lot to prove and will require careful handling. With enough time and the correct coaching, he could blossom into the defensive leader that Manchester United has been longing for.
Whether or if Ten Hag takes over at Old Trafford will determine a lot about Timber’s next move. The center-back’s contract expires in 2024, so it’s unclear if Ajax will be willing to let him move next summer.
