Ten Hag has ‘direct line’ to ‘fantastic’ £43m target at Old Trafford

Manchester United signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer “makes a lot of sense”, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

Reports suggest that Timber could reunite with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford following the Dutchman’s appointment as Red Devils boss.

What is the latest news involving Timber?

At the end of last month, The Guardian reported that United had started talks with Ajax over a deal for Timber, who was recently praised by compatriot Matthijs de Ligt for having a “fantastic” season.

The same outlet stated that the Dutch side value the centre-back at £43m and that Ten Hag wants to make him one of his first signings at his new club.

Despite being just 20 years of age, Timber played 43 times under Ten Hag in the 2021/22 season, showing just how much the United manager trusts him.

In total, he was used 74 times by his former boss, who now seems keen on a reunion.

Man United CLOSER to signing Jurrien Timber! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

What has Talbot said about Timber to United?

Talbot has told GIVEMESPORT that Timber moving to United would make sense because of his relationship with Ten Hag and the club’s need to improve its defence.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: “I hear a lot about Timber, and I think that makes a lot of sense for him to be coming in. There’s a direct line of communication there from their time together at Ajax. I think the defence needs sorting out.”

Should United sign Timber this summer?

It is quite clear that United need to improve at the back, as Talbot has mentioned. In the 2021/22 campaign, they conceded 57 goals, a record that looks particularly bad when you compare the Red Devils to their top six rivals.

Chelsea and Tottenham, for example, teams United would have liked to have been much closer to, conceded 33 and 44 goals respectively. The above, then, is quite clearly a problem.

Can Timber help them out? Ten Hag will be hoping so if he arrives, while there will also be an expectation for him to help the team play out from the back.

As per FBref, the Dutch youngster has ranked in the 99th percentile for pass completion, the 99th for progressive passes, the 97th for progressive carries and the 99th for dribbles completed among centre-backs over the last year. Simply put, he is a ball-playing defender.

If that is what Ten Hag feels he needs, then United should sign him. At his age and height, though, with Timber standing at 5 ft 10, there are going to be question marks over whether he can deal with the physicality of Premier League centre-forwards.

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