Man United ‘open talks’ with Jurrien Timber’s agent

Man United are keen on making a move for Ajax centre-back, Jurrien Timber.

I think it’s fair to suggest that signing a new centre-half is probably atop Manchester United’s transfer wishlist. After all, this is a side that has shipped 51 goals in the league this term. The fourteenth-worst total in the division…

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have all had their issues. Whether that’s down to tactics or these guys just not being good enough remains to be seen. However, Erik ten Hag is likely going to try and acquire at least one new defender ahead of the 2022/23 term.

One man who has recently been linked with a potential Old Trafford switch is Jurrien Timber.

The Dutchman has broken into both the Ajax and Netherlands national team over the last twelve months, displaying impressive form under Ten Hag in the Eredivisie.

Let’s be honest, it’s an obvious link for the media to make, given Ten Hag is the manager who gave Timber his big first-team breakthrough.

Now, United source @mufcMPB have an update for us on Timber’s future. They say that United have ‘opened talks’ with the agent of the 20-year-old centre-half. On top of that, the player is ‘open’ to a Reds move this summer, where he’d rejoin Ten Hag if the transfer happens.

First and foremost, in regards to the source, these guys have been hit and miss when it comes to their own information so let’s wait and see if any big publications pick up on it before taking it as the gospel truth.

However, it’s a move that makes total sense. Timber is someone who could slot straight into the system as he’s already fully accustomed to playing in Ten Hag’s tactics.

There’s no doubt they’ll be an adjustment period for Timber, mind. It’s easy to forget he’s just twenty years old and moving to the Premier League is a massive step up. However, he cannot do any worse than the current crop of centre-halves at the club, can he…?

My one major concern about Timber is his size. He’s 5’10. In the Premier League, he’ll regularly come up against strikers who are both bigger and stronger than he is. At times, he’ll just be outmatched in that regard.

When you’re looking at it from a pure skill standpoint, Timber can compete with the best of them. He’s quick, agile, great with the ball at his feet and a pass-first player. If it works, this could be the perfect marriage, though this is by no means a homerun of a transfer.

Would a Man United move for Timber make sense? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.