Former Netherlands and Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder knows a thing or two about being linked with Manchester United. However, something he never managed was being able to was being able to sign the dotted line at the club.
In turn, Sneijder has sent a warning to Manchester United and other Premier League clubs that may be interested in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who has attracted interest from Erik ten Hag previously after playing for him in Amsterdam.
United were strongly linked with Timber a year ago before opting to sign Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ten Hag’s former club.
As a result, Timber has remained in his role at the Dutch side, racking up 40 appearances across all competitions.
That said, it has been a relatively poor season for the Eredivisie champions as they sit eight points off Feyenoord at the top of the table.
Timber remains linked with a move to the Premier League, though.
While Sneijder accepts that Timber would be a ‘smart’ signing for some clubs, the former Netherlands international believes he would struggle with the physicality of the Premier League.
One watch of Timber and you will see that he is not made of the same stuff as Martinez, so it’s not a matter of just getting used to the Premier League. The Argentine came ready made for the style of football we play in England.
“He’s a smart lad and a really good defender,” the former Ajax star told Dutch TV show Veronica Offside, as cited by the Manchester Evening News. “But he loses every header and in England – against those wardrobes in the Premier League – that will be his downfall.”
“United have reportedly had eyes on a number of central defenders, with the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof uncertain. The pair have fallen down the pecking order under Ten Hag and could look for more regular minutes as they close in on 30 years old.
“In March, Timber confirmed there was interest, and the Dutchman refused to rule out leaving the Dutch outfit this summer.
“Transfer? You never know what crosses your path,” Timber said. “This summer I will look at my options and make a decision. I feel good at Ajax, that’s important for now. Last summer there was interest, but I chose to stay at Ajax.”
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