Journalist says he has ‘bit of a feeling’ from Ten Hag on Man United targets – Change in comments hints at transfer plans

Erik ten Hag has changed his stance on signing Ajax players now that his move to Manchester United has been confirmed.

That’s according to Ajax journalist Johan Inan, who says he has ‘a bit of a feeling’ that the Dutchman is eyeing a move for defender Jurrien Timber.

Ten Hag’s arrival at Manchester United is now imminent after he finalised a deal earlier this year, with the end of the season in the Netherlands meaning he is free to start work on the rebuild at Old Trafford.

That’s something he’s keen to do as soon as possible, with him recently confirming that he will not be waiting to start his new job.

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Part of the work needed this summer is a rebuild of the Manchester United squad, which many believe needs an overhaul if they are to succeed moving forwards.

That could see the Dutch boss look to sign some of his Ajax stars, with several having been linked over the last few months.

Timber is one of those to be named among the possible arrivals, with United in desperate need of defensive reinforcements after struggling in that position for a while.

Ten Hag has even hinted he may look at the centre-back, and Inan says his sense is that the player is on his list.

”In Manchester, the names of several Ajax players are emphatically falling,” FC Update report him saying.

“Last Saturday, when we last had an extensive press moment with the writing press, we again asked Ten Hag what is true about the interest in Antony and Timber.

“When he was still Ajax trainer and knew he was staying, he often said that it is good for those guys to stay in Amsterdam.

“Now, with Timber, the answer was that he could stay at Ajax to further develop his leadership qualities, but on the other hand, he is so good that other impulses can also do him very well.

“From that, I did get a bit of a feeling that he has Timber on the list. On the other hand, I also hear from other sources that Manchester United is not working on Ajax players at the moment.

“As Ten Hag already said: both for Timber and Antony, almost all European top clubs are lining up.

“Then he can make an agreement with Ajax to leave these guys alone, but then they go to Real Madrid or Manchester City. They could just as well have gone to United. And I understand Ten Hag in that.”