Man Utd transfer target spotted in FA Cup final ahead of potential summer move
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer and the Netherlands international was spotted at Wembley ahead of the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City.
Manchester United target Jurrien Timber has been spotted ahead of the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
The Dutch international has watched the Red Devils take on Manchester City amid disagreements over a move to Old Trafford. Timber was supposed to be one of Erik ten Hag’s main targets, but he failed to move in the summer and remains at Ajax.
United could return in the coming months as they seek to strengthen their options and Timber’s presence at Wembley will only fuel further speculation. The player remains open to a departure from Amsterdam but is happy that regular playing time is his main focus. He told Dutch publication Ziggo Sport: “It’s the same situation for me as it was last season. When I say I’m leaving, he has to adapt. The style of play and minutes played are important. Competing for trophies is also important. My favorite country? I dare not say.
“That’s why I’m doing the same as last season. The chance is there, it can happen, but I also feel comfortable here. I’m still young and everything is fine here. I’ll watch calmly.
Louis van Gaal, who was sacked after two years at Manchester, was Netherlands manager and appeared to be trying to talk Timber out of a move to Old Trafford. He claimed the player needs regular playing time if he is to develop and pursue his international ambitions – something he is unable to achieve at United.
He said at the time: “I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League. That’s not a problem. The question is whether he should take that big step now. is not so smart in my opinion [moving to United]. He has to play.”
Timber has since maintained that Van Gaal never persuaded him not to move to Manchester with another option. Ten Hag are keen to exploit the Dutch market and have already signed two players he previously worked with at Ajax. Lisandro Martinez came in and it was a huge hit.
Despite his lack of height, the Argentine formed an impressive partnership with Raphael Varane which would allow Timber to search for minutes. Antony is the other man to arrive from Ajax for a good sum of money but he is struggling to impress at Old Trafford. Ten Hag will revamp their central defensive options with the potential departure of several players. Harry Maguire could be promoted, while the departure of Phil Jones has already been announced. Eric Bailly could also follow.