Mizgan Masani
Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit to sign Jurrien Timber and beat Liverpool to it
As per Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber in the summer transfer window.
The report reveals that the Red Devils are eager to sign the Dutch international and beat rivals Liverpool in the transfer race.
Timber, who was seen attending the FA Cup final between United and Manchester City on Saturday at Wembley, was a United target last summer as well. The links have resurfaced this time around.
The 21-year-old is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back and a fullback. He has operated in a back four and a back five in his club and international career so far.
The Ajax youth product is a technically solid defender who reads the game well, has an excellent recovery pace, is deceptively good in the air despite not having the height for it (182cm) and is comfortable at passing out from the back.
Timber has played under Erik ten Hag because the latter was the Ajax boss till the end of the 2021/22 season. So, one can understand why the current United manager is keen on getting the player to Old Trafford.
If we look at the squad, United could do with a versatile defender to cover up the bases. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are good in central defence, but Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are not at United’s level.
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Luke Shaw has played as a centre-back, but he is at his best when operating at left-back. Getting Timber would cover one of the central defensive slots and also add an option in the fullback area. Let’s hope United are quick in signing the Dutchman, otherwise, Liverpool may snap him up.
