Jurrien Timber could be the perfect transfer target to bring stability and composure to Manchester United’s struggling defence as new boss Erik ten Hag looks to rebuild the squad.
The 20-year-old Ajax centre back has been heavily linked with a £43million move to Old Trafford this summer to follow in the footsteps of his former boss ten Hag.
Timber has already become a star for both Ajax and for Holland – but is still relatively new to the world stage.
Sportsmail takes a look at what he could potentially offer United, if they are successful in signing the young star.
Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United
The 20-year-old defender Timber has already become a star for both Ajax and for Holland
Who is he?
He is a 20-year-old defender who is already a star for both Ajax and internationally for Holland, despite only bursting onto the scene recently, with last season being his first campaign as a regular starter.
Timber, who made his debut back in 2019 for the Dutch giants, is a hugely composed individual and this mental quality played a key role in Ajax’s title success this season.
Ten Hag’s side shipped 15 less goals (19) than any other team in the 2021/22 Eredivisie campaign with Timber starting all but five league matches.
The Holland international played a key role in Ajax’s Eredivisie title success during 2021/22
Eight of the 19 goals they did concede came in the five games the Netherlands international didn’t start, which further signifies his influence at the back in Ajax’s title winning campaign.
The defender despite his young age is a regular for the Dutch giants, and also has made six caps for Holland already – featuring at Euro 2020 and more recently being involved in the squad that has qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Timber made 43 appearances for Ajax in all competitions last season, including eight Champions League caps. He provided three goals and two assists across the campaign.