United's first signing this summer is likely to be Ajax defender Timbel. Currently, the Reds are coached by Lonnick, but will need a new coach when the German takes up his advisory role at the end of the season. The main contender for Manchester United's manager is the current Ajax manager Eric Ten Haag. And, according to various sources, Tenhag will be in touch with Ajax in the summer window and push for his first Manchester United transfer. Tinber, 20, plays mainly as a centre-back but can also play as a right-back. He is now a full member of the Dutch national team.
Timbel's youth career has followed a path that is not suitable for the faint of heart – joining Ajax from rival Feyenoord. In 2014, he trained for four years in the youth system in Feyenoord before finally moving to Amsterdam. He then spent a year with Ajax youth before making his debut in the 2019-20 season. However, it was in the 2020/21 season that he became a key member of the first team, making 24 starts in all competitions. In 2021-22, Timbel has already surpassed that number of appearances, which highlights how fast he is improving. He is very much like a modern Dutch centre-back like Van Dijk, he has impressive physical fitness and ability to control the ball. At Ajax, he is naturally used to carrying the ball forward from the backcourt, so in this respect he can adapt to the requirements of most big teams.
Tenhag praised Timbel and his young star teammates for their impact on Ajax: "With Timber, Lens and Grevenbage, the next generation of top talent joins the main squad of the team. At Ajax, we have one of the best youth training programs in the world. Local media in Manchester reported that United were interested in the youngster, although the report hinted that his team-mate Lisandro Martinez would also be a potential target. The Spanish media also outlined the interest of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid earlier.