Who is Jurrien Timber? Ten Hag's potential first signing at Man Utd

23 Mar 2022 15:31 GMT
5 min read

Manchester United's first signing this summer could very well be Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

At the moment, the Red Devils currently have Ralf Rangnick in charge, but when the German steps into an advisory role at the end of the current season a new manager will be needed.

Article continues under the video

The leading contender to become Man Utd boss is current Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag.

And, according to various sources, Ten Hag will go back to Ajax for his first Man Utd transfer.

But, what kind of player is Timber?

What position does Jurrien Timber play in?

Timber predominantly plays as a centre-back, though can also play right-back.

How good is Jurrien Timber?

Timber's youth career included a path that is not for the faint-hearted - joining Ajax from rivals Feyenoord.

He spent four years within the youth system at Feyenoord becoming eventually making the move to Amsterdam in 2014. He would subsequently spend a year with Jong Ajax before making his senior Eredisivie debut in 2019/20.

It was in the 2020/21 campaign that he became a key member of the first team squad, though, as he made 24 starts in all competitions.

Timber has already eclipsed that tally in 2021/22 which highlights just how rapid his improvement has been.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jurrien Timber (@jurrientimber)

He is very much in the mould of a modern, Dutch centre-back like Virgil van Dijk in that he has an impressive combination of physicality as well as prowess on the ball.

At Ajax he is naturally used to playing out from the back and so would fit in with most elite sides in that respect.

Ten Hag praised Timber and his fellow young stars for their impact on Ajax, telling BILD:

"With Jurrien Timber, Devyne Rensch, and Ryan Gravenberch, the next generation of top talent has joined the main force. At Ajax, we have one of the best youth training programs in the world."

He is now an established member of the Netherlands national side.

What clubs are interested in Jurrien Timber?

Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester United are interested in Timber, though the publication suggests that Lisandro Martinez may be targeted instead.

Spanish outlet TodoFichajes has outlined interest from both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.