New Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder has again underlined the fact that Jurrien Timber is set to remain at Ajax despite interest from Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag left the Amsterdam outfit to take over at Old Trafford in the summer and was always likely to pursue some of his former players as he sought new recruits. A new centre-half is on his shopping list such was their interest in Timber.
The 21-year-old was a shining light last term as Ajax claimed another Eredivisie title, but he looks set to turn down United's advances. Schreuder claimed the player is "very smart" as he acknowledged he had more to achieve in the Dutch capital.
He told ESPN : "Timber is very smart. He knows what is best for himself. We think he is not done at Ajax yet. I have spoken with him and I am assuming he is staying at Ajax." The defender made 43 appearances in all competitions last term and has experience of playing in the Champions League.
That made him an attractive proposition as Ten Hag looks to make additions in that department. A defensive line that includes the likes of Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof shipped a concerning amount of goals last term as United finished a disappointing sixth.
Holland boss Louis van Gaal, who led the Red Devils for two years, also played a part in Timber choosing Ajax over United. The defender was originally keen on an Old Trafford switch but his national boss told him there was no guarantee he would be part of the World Cup squad if he headed to Manchester.
Van Gaal has been a vocal critic of the Premier League outfit and had previously cautioned Ten Hag against going there. He said: “Erik ten Hag is a great coach and that is always good for Manchester United. But Manchester United are a commercial club, so it’s a difficult choice for a coach. He would be better going to a football club. I’m not going to advise him, he’ll call me himself. But he must choose a football club and not a commercial club.”
Timber's Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez has been touted as another potential target for the Red Devils as they look to make their first summer addition. Their recruitment so far has failed to get off the ground but that could change as Antony, who remains firmly on their radar, was absent from Ajax training as he looks to secure a Manchester move.
