Erik ten Hag has been told how Jurrien Timber can help rejuvenate Harry Maguire at Manchester United.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News , Timber has been prioritised as United’s main defensive target this summer as Ten Hag builds his squad ahead of his first season in charge at Old Trafford. The 20-year-old would be a versatile defensive option, with the Ajax star capable of playing right-back as well as centre-back.
Ten Hag will, of course, know all about Timber from their time together in Amsterdam. The young Netherlands international made his breakthrough under the new United boss, and has impressed over the last couple of seasons in the Eredivisie.
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Timber’s performances during the 2021/22 campaign saw him pick up the club’s young player of the year award, with Ten Hag calling the decision to give him the accolade a ‘no-brainer’. The 52-year-old will hope he can be the man to shore up a defence that has looked fragile over the past year at Old Trafford.
And, according to former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink, Timber could be the perfect partner for Maguire in defence. The England international endured a poor season at the heart of United’s defence, leading to questions over his place in the side for next season.
“Maybe he can play alongside Harry Maguire, this guy is ice cold,” Vink told ESPN FC. “What this guy has shown in the Champions League against Haaland, what he has shown in the national team already at this age, he doesn’t blink.
“This guy is so comfortable on the ball, he anticipates like the best and a defender needs to anticipate, you can be a strong defender, tall but if you don’t know how to anticipate where the ball is going or attacker then you’re not a good attacker but this guy anticipates like the best. For me, it’s somebody who could play in the Premier League but also could help Man United from the back football wise.”
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