Manchester United: Erik ten Hag ‘handed another blow as Jurrien Timber opts to stay at Ajax’

Erik ten Hag ‘suffers ANOTHER transfer blow’ as Dutch international Jurrien Timber ‘believes it’s too much of a RISK to move to Manchester United in a World Cup year’ with youngster ‘to stay at Ajax’

  • Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his defence 
  • He has reportedly suffered a blow with Jurrien Timber set to stay at Ajax 
  • The Dutch international feels it is a risk to move to United in a World Cup year
  • Dutch manager Louis van Gaal previously said the move ‘would not be so wise’

Manchester United have reportedly been dealt another hit after transfer target Jurrien Timber has reportedly decided he will stay at Ajax.

Dutch media, as per the Metro, have claimed that the defender has determined it’s ‘too much of a risk’ to move to Old Trafford at this time. 

The 20-year-old had been identified as a top target by Erik ten Hag, due to his ability to play both as a centre-back and on the right side of defence.

Jurrien Timber has reportedly decided to stay at Ajax despite interest from Manchester United

It is the latest setback for new United manager Erik ten Hag in the summer transfer window

It is the latest setback for new United manager Erik ten Hag in the summer transfer window

Dutch international Timber, is said to have wanted assurances over his playing time – particularly with the World Cup in Qatar getting underway in November.

The youngster will go on holiday this week before making a final decision on his future, but is now leaning towards staying in Amsterdam.

It comes after Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal fired a warning to Timber that the move ‘is not so wise’ in a World Cup year.

‘I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League. That is not a problem,’ Van Gaal said. 

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said it would be 'not so wise' for Timber to join Man United

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said it would be ‘not so wise’ for Timber to join Man United

‘If he has to make this big step now, that’s the question. It is not so wise I think [to move to United]. He has to play.’

Defence is a key area of concern for Ten Hag and his staff given United endured their worst Premier League season on record in 2021-22, conceding 57 goals as they finished sixth.

It would be the latest blow for Ten Hag who has seen the club’s biggest rivals sign players this summer.

United missed out on striker target Darwin Nunez who joined Liverpool for a fee of up to £85m

United missed out on striker target Darwin Nunez who joined Liverpool for a fee of up to £85m

United are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong by the end of the summer

United are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong by the end of the summer

United had held interest in striker Darwin Nunez, only for the Uruguayan to decide to make the move to Liverpool for a fee that could reach £85million. 

The Red Devils are working on a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong but the Spaniards want around £72m for the Dutchman.

After impressing for the Netherlands in their recent 3-2 win over Wales, De Jong was asked by reporters about the links to Old Trafford.

He said: ‘You’re always flattered when teams show interest in you as a player but I am at the biggest club in the world at the moment and I feel fine there, so no news.’

Timber worked with Ten Hag at Ajax before the manager made the switch to Old Trafford

Timber worked with Ten Hag at Ajax before the manager made the switch to Old Trafford