Back in the summer, Manchester United set their sights on a deal for Jurrien Timber. Ultimately they missed out, with Ajax refusing to sell and the player reluctant to make the move to Old Trafford....CONTINUE READING
However, after keeping Eden Hazard and Robert Lewandowski quiet over the international break, the Red Devils reigniting their interest further down the line can’t be ruled out…
Manchester United had a productive transfer window, despite a slow start.
Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony and Martin Dubravka all moved to Old Trafford, bolstering the Red Devils’ squad in the process.
However, United didn’t get all of their top targets – in what has become a similar story in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson walked away.
Frenkie de Jong evaded them, with the Barcelona star refusing to make the move to the Premier League due to his determination to stay in Catalonia.
Sergino Dest also slipped through their fingers, with Ten Hag told to work with Aaron Wan-Bissaka instead of recruiting another right-back.
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And Timber, who was earmarked as an early transfer target, also didn’t make the move to the Premier League.
Ajax never wanted to offload the 21-year-old, who is viewed as one of the hottest talents in European football.
And Timber was wary of moving to United ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, with Louis van Gaal making it clear Netherlands players must be featuring regularly for their clubs in order to make his squad.
Since the beginning of the season, the Ajax star has gone from strength to strength – enhancing his promising reputation in the process.
He was impressive on Thursday as the Netherlands beat Poland 2-0, nullifying the threat of Robert Lewandowski as goals from Cody Gakpo and Steven Bergwijn gave the Dutch all three points.
And Timber again stood tall as Van Gaal’s side beat Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League on Sunday, with Virgil van Dijk netting the winner.
According to Van Dijk, Timber is better than he was at the same age. Speaking after the game, he said: “I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now at the same age.
“I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional.
“He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further. Then it will be all right, I think.”
And with United’s need for another centre-back still evident, the Red Devils going back in for Timber next summer is feasible.
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Erik ten Hag knows all about the player, having helped to develop the youngster during his spell in the Ajax dugout.
Harry Maguire is down in the dumps at United these days and, barring an upturn in form, could find himself surplus to requirements next year – particularly if he continues to struggle for action.
Victor Lindelof is yet to get much game time under Ten Hag and, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez shining at centre-back, it’s hard to see that changing any time soon.
Varane is approaching the prime years of his career, too, and his injury issues in recent years may force United into the market.
And with Eric Bailly unlikely to return from his loan spell at Marseille, and Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones surplus to requirements, a move for Timber could be on the cards.
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Speaking at the start of the month, meanwhile, Timber insisted Van Gaal’s comments weren’t a factor in his decision to stay at United.
“Many things that are written in the media are false,” he said.
“Like when people say that it was Louis van Gaal who told me not to go to Manchester United.
“He actually said I would make minutes there.”
Timber is expected to feature when Ajax face off against Go Ahead Eagles on Saturday (7pm).
