Jurrien Timber could follow Erik ten Hag path but Manchester United must answer big question

Timber stands around just 5-foot-10, which is short for a centre-back in England’s top-flight. He would be United’s shortest centre-back if he joined the squad, and that could prove to be problematic.

The Eredivisie is known for youth. Prospects are encouraged to develop in Holland and once they begin to experience their peak, they tend to move elsewhere.

Timber appears capable and he does have some Champions League experience under his belt, but he would face a totally different type of opponent in England compared to Holland.

His capability on the ball suggests that he could play as a right-back for United, but that isn’t the role he’s most familiar with based on his rise at Ajax, meaning an element of risk would be attached to the deal.

Timber has a fairly expansive passing range. He likes to switch the play on a regular basis and isn’t particularly inclined to play short and simple when in possession.

His passing network from a match against Twente in February is pictured below, and it offers an insight into what his contributions tend to be like.

Ultimately, Timber appears to be an interesting prospect. He possesses valuable qualities and at just 20, he could wind up becoming one of the best around.

In fact, he doesn’t appear too dissimilar to Liverpool’s Joe Gomez. The two players are fast, and although both prefer to play in the centre of defence, they can also play on the flanks if needed.

The big differences are Gomez stands around 6-foot-2 and he’s been hardened by the English game since his emergence as a youngster, and Timber is perhaps more elaborate in possession.

The question mark for United is where the Ajax man would perform and whether he’s physical enough to continue on his current trajectory in a demanding division as the Premier League.