Jurrien Timber could be handed an ideal shirt number if he completed a transfer to Manchester United this summer, though it would depend on the futures of Eric Bailly and Phil Jones.
Erik ten Hag has got plenty of positions to fix in his new squad this summer and while the midfield is a priority, the heart of defence needs some serious reinforcement as well. United have just finished up their worst ever Premier League campaign after only managing to win a measly 58 points, with their porous back-line being a key reason.
Despite spending close to £200million on centre-backs in recent years, United remain frail defensively with even the arrival of four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane failing to fix it. The Frenchman had a difficult debut season in England but was nowhere near the worst culprit.
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That dubious honour goes to Harry Maguire, who has struggled throughout the last year with his form falling off a cliff following his heroics for England at Euro 2020. Victor Lindelof had some decent performances but has a quality ceiling while Bailly and Jones spent most of the campaign sidelined and are now periphery figures.
In fact, United are prepared to let the two centre-backs leave this summer as the planned clearout goes beyond just the six stars leaving when their contracts expire. Bailly may be difficult to move on as he signed a new long-term contract to 2024 just last year and his injury record doesn't exactly make him attractive. Jones may find suitors willing to take a punt on him, though, after he impressed following his return to action after two years of injury torment.
Should they both depart then the No.3 and No.4 jerseys would become available again at United for the first time in a number of years, either of which would be an ideal number for Timber. Though United are also tracking Villarreal's Pau Torres, with the club consulting with Ten Hag on the Spaniard, Timber has also emerged as an interesting option.
The 20-year-old was a near-ever present in Ten Hag's championship-winning Ajax side last season and is clearly highly thought of by the new manager. Timber has excellent distribution, can play anywhere along the back and his tender age means there isn't immediate pressure for him to be a regular starter or an instant success, all of which would make him a smart signing.
The Dutchman currently wears No.2 for Ajax and the national side but that isn't available at Old Trafford as it's currently occupied by Lindelof, who is unlikely to leave or give it up this summer. However, the No.3 or No.4 are both numbers typically worn by defenders and have suitable prestige so would be perfect for an exciting signing like Timber.
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