Ajax defender Jurrien Timber has previously waxed lyrical about Erik ten Hag amid ongoing links that he could join him at Manchester United.
Ten Hag, who was officially installed as United's new permanent manager last month, took charge of Ajax for the final time on Sunday, overseeing a 2-2 draw with Vitesse Arnhem. He will start work at Old Trafford in the coming weeks ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season.
His first summer in charge promises to be packed to the rafters with transfer activity, with United in desperate need of making significant changes to the squad. No shortage of players are expected to leave the club and new arrivals are expected.
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A number of positions need to be strengthened, not least central-midfield. However, they are also set to be on the hunt for a new centre-back - and one name has attracted more attention than others from United supporters in recent weeks.
In Ajax ace Timber, who is only 20, United could sign a very highly-rated player with enormous potential. He is capable of playing at both right-back and centre-back, meaning the Reds, potentially, could kill two birds with one stone with his signature.
Although no guarantees are in place that Ten Hag could look to bring Timber with him, if he was to register an interest in signing him it is possible that the defender would be open to the move, purely because of his admiration for the Dutchman.
"He deserved it," said Timber, reacting to Ten Hag's appointment at Old Trafford last month. "Ten Hag has been very important to me personally.
"Under him I became the footballer, the man I am today. The coach talked to me a lot.
"He's been very critical, in a good, constructive way. I won't forget that anytime soon."
Ten Hag, following his final game in charge of Ajax, was quizzed about Timber's future and the prospect of bringing him to Old Trafford with him. The 52-year-old refused to be drawn on those links but admitted that he expects several clubs to be keen on his services.
"I think all top clubs have Timber in their sights," Ten Hag admitted.
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