Who is the ‘too good’ 20-year-old whizkid Ten Hag reportedly wants at Manchester United?
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is allegedly interested in signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
According to The Times, Erik ten Hag is the frontrunner for the Manchester United position. The Dutchman is also rumored to be considering a couple of transfer moves away from his current club.
Ten Hag is said to be interested in winger Antony and defender Jurrien Timber, according to the Mirror. Antony’s popularity has already been well acknowledged, with The Telegraph reporting last week that he is a hot target.
Timber’s reported interest is ‘fresh,’ and he would not command a blockbuster sum. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know…
Who exactly is Jurrien Timber?
1) Timber, 20, has established himself as a regular defender for Ajax. He made his debut in 2020 at the age of 19 and has been an important component of Erik ten Hag’s team ever since. In June, he will turn 21.
2) Timber has started 24 Eredivisie games this season, out of a possible 28. In addition, he has three goals.
3) Timber has been involved in a number of games since making his debut in the Netherlands last June. He has six international appearances to his name and is set to be named to his country’s World Cup roster.
4) According to WhoScored, Timber leads Ajax in tackles per game this season with 2.3 per game. This defender is ranked among the top ten in the Eredivisie.
5) Timber is under contract with Ajax until 2024. He signed this contract in 2020.
6) He has a club-level twin brother, Quintin Timber, who plays for Eredivisie opponents Utrecht.
Timber’s position in Manchester United’s defense requires improvement, as has been clear all season. Eric Bailly is dissatisfied with his playing time this season and is likely to seek a trade.
While Timber would take his spot in the squad, he can be a little more ambitious and aim for a starting position.
His presence would put pressure on Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane, and his previous training with Ten Hag would give him an advantage over his three more experienced teammates.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are also set to be sold, while Teen Mengi will require another loan to advance his career.
What they are saying
Last month, Football Zone reported Dutch expert Kenneth Perez as saying, “Timber is so freaking wonderful.” Is he then the standard for Ajax? No, he’s too talented for Ajax.”
“He has over seventy matches in Ajax and participated in the Champions League,” former Netherlands international Ron Vlaar told De Telegraaf. “It’s encouraging to watch such a young youngster exude confidence.”
“He is particularly strong on the ball, and his mobility often allows him to steam through to midfield,” noted Voetball International of his style.
