Who is Jurrien Timber? The Ajax defender linked to Manchester United amid Erik Ten Hag rumours

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Jurrien Timber this summer after Ajax manager Erik ten Hag emerged as the favourite to take the hot seat at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag, who has been in charge of Ajax since December 2017, has guided the club to two league titles and Dutch Cups.

According to the De Telegraaf Podcast, if appointed as the Red Devils boss this summer, Ten Hag would be looking to sign Timber for the Red Devils.

Timber has been a regular for Ajax since breaking being promoted to their first team last season, making 68 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and assisting his teammates once.

The 20-year-old has also been linked with a move to United’s cross-town rivals Manchester City.

Who is Jurrien Timber?

Born in Utrecht on 17 June 2001, Timber is a Netherlands international with six caps to his name.

The 20-year-old has spent his senior career playing for Ajax after coming through their youth ranks and made his first team debut on 7 March 2020.

Though part of the Dutch national team, he was also eligible to play for Aruba, through his mother and Curacao due to his father being from there.

Current form

According to whoscored.com, Timber is performing at an overall average of 7.15 for club and country. He has scored more league goals (three) than all of United’s centre-backs so far this season

Though predominantly a centre-back, Timber can also operate on the right and left-side of defence.

How likely is the deal to go ahead?

Given Ten Hag being favourite for the Red Devils’ hot seat and the man to bring Timber his debut for Ajax, if the former is appointed as United’s new boss this summer the likelihood that he would bring the latter to Old Trafford should be seen as high.

However, if City were to come in for Timber, expect the defender to weigh his options up before following his manager to the red side of Manchester.

The 20-year-old hasn’t ruled out joining the Sky Blues if Pep Guardiola wants him this summer.

Speaking to Helden Magazine last month, Timber said: “I like to play for prizes; that’s why I say City now. Barcelona has a less good period at the moment.

“I want to grow as a player, use my time at Ajax to become even better. At Ajax, you have to be happy if you are in the starting line-up; that’s why I want to enjoy this time consciously.

“I play for the prizes here; there is no better place to be. Ajax was always my dream club; I also slept under an Ajax duvet.

“I plan to stay here for a while. But if Manchester City calls, what should I do?”