Manchester United could target Brazilian winger and Dutch centre back if Ajax boss completes Old Trafford move

Manchester United’s search for a new head coach continues to dominate the headlines with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag believed to be the current front runner.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is also heavily linked as have been the likes of current Premier League bosses Brendan Rodgers and Ralph Hasenhüttl.

There has even been talk that the Old Trafford hierarchy could make a sensational swoop to capitalise on the current uncertainty surrounding Chelsea to pry away Thomas Tuchel.

However, it’s the Ajax coach who leads the conversation and reports today suggest that he could have already lined up two potential signings should he make the move to Manchester.

The Mirror have reported that Brazilian winger Antony and Dutch centre-half Jurrien Timber, both currently with ten Hag at Ajax, could make the move alongside the 52-year old.

Here is everything you need to know about the pair including what has been reported:

Who is Antony? Ajax’s Brazilian winger linked with Manchester United move

Antony Matheus dos Santos, known as Antony, is a 22-year old Brazilian winger who currently plays for Ajax in the Eredivise.

The player began his senior career with boyhood club São Paulo before making the move to Amsterdam in 2020 on a five-year deal for an initial £13 million, which could rise to £18.2 million.

Since joining the Dutch giants he has made 79 first team appearances and scored 22 goals.

This season he has made 30 appearances across all competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, and has scored ten goals.

On the international stage, Antony has won nine caps for the Brazil men’s national team and scored two goals.

He was also part of the Brazil team who won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and did the double with Ajax last season as they lifted the Eredivse title and the KNVB Cup.

Who is Jurrien Timber? Ajax’s Dutch centre back linked with Manchester United move

Jurrien Timber is a 20-year old Dutch central defender who plays for Ajax in the Eredivise.

The player has spent his whole senior career in Amsterdam having come through at Jong Ajax (Ajax II) before debuting for the first team in 2019-20 season.

Since then he has been a regular for the Dutch side and has made 68 appearances while also scoring four goals.

Despite his young age, Timber has already won six caps for The Netherlands men’s international team having made his debut in a pre-Euro 2020 friendly against Scotland.

He has been a regular in the Ajax side this season, making 37 appearances across all competitions and pitching in with three goals.

Like Antony, he was part of the side that did the double last season and lifted the Eredivse title and the KNVB Cup.

What has been reported? Erik ten Hag lining up duo if he makes Old Trafford move

The Mirror are the publication who have reported the news that ten Hag will move for Antony an Timber if he lands the Manchester United job.

The have said: “Brazilian winger Antony has emerged as a potential target after scoring 12 goals, along with eight assists, during an outstanding campaign, while Ten Hag feels that centre-half Jurrien Timber will immediately address United’s defensive problems.

“The 20-year-old has already played for Holland and will be part of Louis van Gaal’s squad for the World Cup.”