Erik ten Hag has been named the next Manchester United coach and work will now begin on trying to acquire a number of players to help the Dutch coach succeed at Old Trafford. One player on United’s radar is Ajax center-back Jurrien Timber.
The 20-year-old defender was introduced to the Ajax first team by Ten Hag and it looks like the coach is looking forward to reuniting with him in Manchester. Various sources have stated that with a two-year contract, Timber could still charge a fee of about £ 43 million, which United may consider achievable.
However, there may be a possible obstacle to any agreement. Timber is currently a guaranteed starter at Ajax and, according to respected Dutch journalist Mike Verweij, the defender is concerned that a possible move to United could reduce his playing time as he adjusts to the new league and that could make it lose its place. at the World Cup in Qatar.
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Since Louis van Gaal was re-elected as coach of the Netherlands, the former United coach has made it clear that there are no guaranteed places in his squad. The most recent loss was Georgino Wijnaldum, who lost his place to the Netherlands after failing to reach regular playing time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum’s dismissal from the squad has caused a stir on the pitch with players such as Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay questioning his exclusion. Van Gaal, however, has sent a clear message though; get game time or lose your place.
As a young defender arriving in a new league, Timber will obviously be hesitant about how long it will take to adapt to the fastest pace and best quality in the Premier League and also how this would affect his performances. This puts Ajax in a strong position to keep him this summer, and in the meantime they may even try to extend his contract.
Of course, Ten Hag knows Timber and given United’s problems in defense this season and the fact that the defender knows the Dutch coach’s tactics would probably give him an advantage over the club’s current options. He’s also incredibly versatile to be able to play center and right flank, which could also increase his playing time.
United are unlikely to have many players in the Qatar World Cup as the players have been in bad shape this season, but if Ten Hag can change things at Old Trafford, many players could have a chance to represent their national team. . And if the manager wants Timber and has a plan for him, chances are he can also guarantee the playing time Timber needs to book his entry into the competition.
It could all be a key factor in United’s plans.
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