Manchester United’s Jurrien Timber transfer plan may be ruined by Louis van Gaal
Erik ten Hag has been named the next manager of Manchester United, and the search for players to help the Dutchman thrive at Old Trafford has begun.
Jurrien Timber of Ajax is one player on United’s radar.
Ten Hag brought the 20-year-old defender into the Ajax first squad, and it appears that the manager is eager to reunite with him in Manchester.
According to multiple sources, with two years remaining on his contract, Timber could command a fee of around £43 million, which United may consider doable.
However, any agreement could face a stumbling barrier.
Timber is presently a definite starter at Ajax, and according to respected Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, the defender is concerned that a prospective move to United may restrict his playing time as he adjusts to the new league, potentially costing him a berth at the World Cup in Qatar.
Since being re-appointed as manager of the Netherlands, Louis van Gaal has made it clear that there are no sure places in his side.
Georgino Wijnaldum, the most recent casualty, was dropped from the Netherlands squad after failing to obtain consistent game time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum’s absence from the squad has generated consternation among teammates, with players like as Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay questioning his exclusion.
Van Gaal, on the other hand, has issued a clear message: gain game time or lose your spot.
Timber, as a young defender entering a new league, would undoubtedly be concerned about how long it would take him to adjust to the faster speed and higher quality of the Premier League, as well as how this would effect his performances.
This puts Ajax in a good position to keep him this summer, and they may even try to extend his contract in the interim.
Of course, Ten Hag is familiar with Timber, and given United’s defensive troubles this season, as well as the fact that the defender is familiar with the Dutch manager’s methods, he would certainly have an advantage over the club’s present choices.
He is also quite versatile, able to play both center-back and right-back, which could enhance his game-time.
United are unlikely to have many players at the World Cup in Qatar because to their poor form this season, but if Ten Hag can turn things around at Old Trafford, a number of players could have a chance to represent their country.
And if the manager wants Timber and has a strategy for him, he can almost certainly guarantee the game time Timber requires to secure his ticket to the competition.
All of this could throw a wrench in United’s preparations.
ALSO READ:
- Manchester United have one thing Real Madrid can’t offer Harry Kane
- Latest Chelsea transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino first Chelsea signing confirmed as Real Madrid contact Kai Havertz
- Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool: Medical, shirt number, wages and everything we know
- Tottenham agree contract with Ange Postecoglou to make him their new manager
- Chelsea decide ‘top two transfer targets’ after scrapping Manuel Ugarte deal
- Man Utd ‘make £50m Mason Mount bid as they push for England double-transfer with Harry Kane’
Manchester United’s Jurrien Timber transfer plan may be ruined by Louis van Gaal
