When Manchester United completed a move for Raphael Varane last summer, it was believed that it was the solution to their problems at the back. The French World Cup winner had been one of the best defenders in the world during his time at Real Madrid, winning multiple Champions League titles. Thus, it had looked like the Red Devils had pulled off an absolute masterstroke that would turn them back into title contenders.
The reality of the situation has been very different. The Manchester United defence seems to have taken a step back since then instead of moving forward in the right direction. Varane himself has had his fair share of struggles and looked nowhere near his best.
Thus, it would not be much of a surprise if the club are looking for another centre-back this summer, as Erik ten Hag aims to rebuild the squad and take them back to the top of English football in the future.
One player that they have been linked with is Jurrien Timber of Ajax, who has enjoyed great success playing under the management of Ten Hag already. And Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan is convinced that the defender will be joining his former manager at Manchester United. As reported by talkSPORT, he said:
"“I’m absolutely convinced he’s going to get Timber in at Manchester United.“I know the player said he has to think about leaving Ajax… I think it was all political talk.“I think he’s already made his mind up and he will join Ten Hag.”"
Ajax star backed to join Ten Hag at Manchester United
Despite being just 20 years of age, Timber was a key member of Ten Hag’s Ajax side. He topped the Eredivisie in various parameters when it comes to a defender and it is pretty clear that he has the potential to develop into a top class centre-back one day.
Thus, it is not hard to see why Ten Hag might be interested in reuniting with Timber at Manchester United. He could help the manager change the style of football at the club.
Timber is someone who can build up play from the back and that is exactly the profile of player that Manchester United need at this moment.