Jaap Stam, a former defender for Manchester United, has urged Jurrien Timber to stay with Ajax this summer despite new rumors linking him to a transfer to Old Trafford.
Prior to the start of the summer transfer window, United's top defensive target was Timber, who can play as either a right-back or a center-back. At the Johan Cruyff Arena, he had thrived under Erik ten Hag, and the latter wanted to include him in his M16 team.
In the end, United focused on different objectives and strengthened their center-back options by bringing in Lisandro Martinez, who was also hired from Ajax. He has performed admirably in his first season in England, making himself one of the acquisitions of the campaign.
But in recent weeks, United has reportedly expressed a renewed interest in 21-year-old Timber ahead of the summer transfer season. If either Diogo Dalot or Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves the team, the Reds may look to sign a new right-sided full-back.
Timber may have an opportunity to go with United or another prestigious club this summer, but former Reds star Stam has advised the youngster to stay there, saying he can continue to establish himself in his native country provided that Ajax appoints a qualified manager.
"He really has a lot of potential but he doesn't have to make a choice for money or a big-name [club]," Stam told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad. "At Ajax, he has the guarantee of playing for trophies.
"But what I would really consider if I were him is how and with him Ajax are thinking of hitting back. And if staying is an option for him, maybe he should keep himself informed."
“The big advantage of United for Timber is that he already knows Ten Hag and vice versa,” Stam told Dutch outlet AD (via Sport Witness).
"The intentions of the trainer are moulded to Timber, but make no mistake: this is the Premier League. There you can’t always be dominant, you have to duel much more and that against strikers like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
“Everyone with Lisandro MartÃnez was also curious about that. It turns out that he did it. With Timber, I just miss a certain amount of aggression – sometimes even being a little mean – in his game. That is also, for example, in giving the first blow before the real duels come. Martinez does. You can learn that too, but it has to be in you."
“You also have to look at combinations and chance of playing time. United can still use a defender, also because Raphael Varane is prone to injury and Harry Maguire is still disappointing."
“In England, I see United as the most logical option. And what I would like to see more often is Timber as a right back. There are at United, where Dalot without the ball and Wan-Bissaka on the ball don’t quite convince me yet.”
Ajax has struggled to reclaim its previous dominance in the Eredivisie since Ten Hag's transfer to United at the end of last season; they are now third in the standings, 11 points behind leaders Feyenoord. Ten Hag's replacement, Alfred Schreuder, was fired in January, and a permanent replacement has not yet been named.
What was heard about Jurrien Timber to Man United
Ajax is open to hearing offers for the defender, giving Manchester United a second chance to get him.
Last summer, the Red Devils made a bid to recruit Timber, but the Dutchman decided against moving to Old Trafford. He chose to stay at the Johan Cruyff Arena instead, although Ajax have had a dismal season; De Godenzonen is currently third in the Eredivise.
However, as exclusively revealed by Mirror Football in June, Ten Hag was'stunned' that Timber turned down the opportunity to sign with United. Before the World Cup in Qatar, he informed the manager of the Red Devils that he would not be moving to Manchester.
Timber had been alarmed by then-Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal's suggestion that he would only choose players who were frequently playing for their clubs for his squad. The only central defender United added this summer was Lisandro Martinez.
However, given that Harry Maguire had yet another terrible season, Ten Hag might once more turn to Timber as a reinforcement. When it comes to the summer window, the Dutchman's wish list for purchases undoubtedly includes central defense.
And Timber has already made it known that he will be departing Ajax at the conclusion of the current campaign. He revealed that he had reached a deal with the club's management last summer that allowed him to stay in Amsterdam for an additional season.
“A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract," he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
"As a club boy, I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation. At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday."
"But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax. I’m still here anyway and I’m in no hurry. The focus is now on the cup final and the remainder of the competition.”
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