Frenkie de Jong and Ajax starlet Jurrien Timber have paid tribute to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag amid ongoing transfer links. Ten Hag waved goodbye to the Amsterdam giants on Sunday afternoon following his hugely successful four-and-a-half year tenure as coach.
During that time Ten Hag won three Eredivisie titles and two KNVB Cup trophies. He also paved the way for a new generation at Ajax - including Barcelona midfielder de Jong and Timber - to emerge on the European platform when they reached the Champions League semis in 2019, albeit before Timber progressed through the ranks.
That adventure led to De Jong getting his big chance at the Nou Camp. However, moving forward, there is growing anticipation that he might be reunited with Ten Hag in the Premier League.
READ MORE: United fans sent wild by Erik ten Hag comments on Jurrien Timber future
The Manchester Evening News understands United are weighing up a £75million charge for De Jong, 25, as part of their upcoming recruitment drive. As for Timber, meanwhile, the centre-back has been mooted as one possible option as Ten Hag aims to strengthen in that area, too.
A pursuit there has been fuelled by comments made by ten Hag on Sunday afternoon. Since then, Ajax players past and present have teamed-up to share their gratitude for the inbound United manager.
Posted on social media, De Jong and Timber were among those to speak in a four-minute video clip which featured familiar faces such as Edwin van der Sar and Daley Blind. This comes after Ajax sent out another classy tribute to Ten Hag on Sunday afternoon following his final game in charge.
Speaking on the video, De Jong said: "It was a great time, in which you have shown results with attractive football. You have proven yourself to be a top trainer and you've deserved this step. I want to wish you good luck."
Timber, 20, added: "I want to thank you and wish you good luck. You made me grow as a player and as a person. We did great things, achieved great things, things you can be proud of. A great step to a big club with big players and in a big competition. I hope you and Manchester United enjoy the football you are going to play."
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