The arrival of a new head coach tends to spark transfer rumours in English football. Speculation always tend to emerge linking newly appointed bosses with their ex-players, and the same is happening at Manchester United of late.
Erik ten Hag has been confirmed as Ralf Rangnick’s successor and the Red Devils are interested in a move for Frenkie de Jong. This week, fresh reports have surfaced tipping Jurrien Timber with a move to Old Trafford in the summer
Unlike De Jong who left for Barcelona in 2019, Timber has just won the Eredivisie under Ten Hag. The young Dutchman has been central to his Ajax team this season, but would a move to Manchester make sense?
Upon inspection of Timber’s game, the perks attached to his skill set appear obvious and still just 20 years-old, he’s got bags of potential to fulfil.
One of his most obvious traits is his positional flexibility. He’s been primarily deployed as a centre-back this season, but has also accumulated around 500 minutes as a right-back and he’s occupied that role on a number of occasions for his national team.
His speed permits him to perform to a good level regardless of his position. Timber appears quicker than most of his defensive peers, which allows him to form part of a high defensive line without issues and also permits him to play on the flanks when required.
His adaptability across different positions is valuable, although it remains to be seen as to how he’d cope as a central defender in the Premier League.
