Manchester United are in the market for a new Harry Maguire: step forward one defender who's thrived under Erik ten Hag
(Image credit: Getty)
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is on the cusp of securing a replacement for Harry Maguire.
Rumours have surfaced in the past week that the Red Devils are keen to add a defender to the squad before anything else. Outgoing interim manager Ralf Rangnick has hinted at as many as dozen new faces at Old Trafford – and it's thought that a forward and a defensive midfielder are high up on the priority list.
But defence has also been a problem in recent times for United, who have shipped plenty of goals this season. Captain Harry Maguire has come under some of the staunchest criticism for the beleaguered backline – and it's thought that Ten Hag may not want the England star at all.
(Image credit: Getty)
SI reports that Man United are in talks with the agent of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber over a move to the Premier League and that the deal is beginning to "progress", now.
The 20-year-old has ascended to become a defensive pillar for Ten Hag in Amsterdam and was lauded for his performances in this season's Champions League, where de Godenzonen recorded a 100% win rate in the group stage.
The Dutch defender is not just capable in the centre of defence but at full-back too.
(Image credit: Getty)
Ten Hag was quick to mention this season that he believes his latest – and last – squad of players in the Eredivisie to be as good as the 2019 calibre, stating that Timber was performing at a level on par with Matthijs de Ligt, who famously captained the Dutch side to the 2019 Champions League semi-finals.
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With Manchester United rumoured to be set to give their new manager around £150m to spend this summer, it may take a large portion to sign a top defender to improve an ailing backline.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
