Manchester United’s hopes of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has suffered a blow, with the defender looks more likely to stay at the club, according to Mike Verwij.
The Dutch club hope that a guaranteed place in their starting line-up may result in the youngster remaining there. With the World Cup set to take place in later this year this would help cement the defenders place in the final squad.
Ajax have 'advantage' with Timber #mufc https://t.co/2ToAhvKuoO pic.twitter.com/LfpiZvcv02
— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) June 3, 2022
Manchester United Move May Not Be Ideal for Ajax Defender
Timber Prioritises Regular Football
Timber’s priority is clearly to earn a place in this year’s World Cup. The youngster has yet to consolidate a permanent position on the international stage only making his debut last year against Scotland.
With the competition taking place later this year, he may decide that remaining in his current environment gives him the best chance at earning a spot. Timber has been open to stay at Ajax recently being quoted in an interview last week.
The prospect of a place in the World Cup will always be of high importance to any footballer. It is the biggest stage in world football competing against the best.
Playing Champions League football may also tempt him to stay. United’s problems last season meant they could not muster anything more than Europa League qualification.
Erik ten Hag Link May Keep Deal Alive
New United manager Erik ten Hag has worked with Timber for the past few years. He oversaw his debut in a 3-1 win over SC Heerenveen in the 2019/20 season and since developed him into a regular player for Ajax.
The prospect of reuniting with his former manager may still tempt the youngster to make the switch over to Manchester.
United have been keen on a defender this window making it their top priority. The Red Devils struggled to keep the goals out last season conceding 57 – the most out of the top six.
Goalkeeper David de Gea was relied upon multiple times in order to keep United at the right end of the table. As a result, ten Hag has made Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Aaron Wan-Bissaka available for transfer.
Defenders are not the only priority; talks have recently begun with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong and the club continue to be linked with Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
