Erik ten Hag Wishes to Bring Ajax Defender to Old Trafford

The team has been linked with several players before the summer window, including West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, who is currently a top pick for Arsenal. Yet according to a statement released on De Telegraaf‘s podcast, the coach is interested in 20-year-old center-back Jurrien Timber who might benefit Old Trafford.

Manchester United are still focused on finding a new manager, and is it to be seen whether they choose Erik ten Hag or Mauricio Pochettino. The former is well-liked by the club's hierarchy who were impressed by his interview in March 2022. So Ten Hag might replace Ralf Rangnick in the summer once further talks with the club are initiated.

Jurrien Timber Has Other Plans

Jurrien Timber shifted to AFC Ajax in 2014 and subsequently made his senior debut for the Dutch club in 2020. He is now on the path to becoming Matthijs de Ligt’s successor in central defense. His ascent is foreseen considering he still has two years left in Ajax. However, reports also suggest that the 20-year-old might move to Manchester City. In an exchange with Helden Magazine in March, the defender revealed that he is interested in joining Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I like to play for prizes; that’s why I say City now," Timber said. "I want to grow as a player, use my time at Ajax to become even better. At Ajax, you have to be happy if you are in the starting line-up; that’s why I want to enjoy this time consciously. I play for the prizes here; there is no better place to be. Ajax was always my dream club; I also slept under an Ajax duvet. I plan to stay here for a while. But if Manchester City calls, what should I do?’

With another club in the picture, it is difficult to ascertain what the young star will choose to do. It is also to be noted that his success is partially attributed to manager Erik ten Hag, who was his mentor throughout his time at Ajax. So the 52-year-old might have a strong footing over the matter.

Manchester United in Need of Three Transfer Windows

Manager Ralf Rangnick claimed that the club might require three transfer windows to catch Liverpool and Manchester City. The statement arrived after United’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City on April 2, 2022. "Those two teams have been built together and recruited over a period of five or six years, all of them under the premise of, ‘how do the coaches want to play?’,’ as stated by Ralf Rangnick.

"It takes the right decisions and where you want to go to, what kind of players, what kind of manager, and then in every transfer window try to get the best possible." The manager continued, "It has to be done and if that happens it does not necessarily need three or four years, maybe two or three transfer windows, then the situation could be different." Hence, Old Trafford is ready to make some big changes this summer that might include Ajax defender Jurien Timber’s entry into the club.