Ruud Gullit has already cast doubt on one potential target Erik ten Hag could look to bring with him from .
Ten Hag is closing in on a deal to become the club’s new permanent boss after successful talks with United chiefs and is expected to leave Ajax at the end of the season.
Once a deal is finalised, attention will then turn to transfers and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who has become a key part of Ten Hag’s success in the Netherlands, is a target.
The 20-year-old’s impressive displays have seen him linked with a move to United with the club set to be on the lookout for a new centre-back given their struggles this season.
However, Dutch legend Gullit isn’t sure Timber has what it takes to make it in the Premier League just yet.
‘I think Timber is a very good player, but whether he can be a defender in England…’ he said on Ajax Showtime.
‘You also play against Burnley and West Brom. The top seven strikers are all world-beaters.
‘I think he is a very good footballer, but I have my doubts about whether he is a good defender.’
Timber, who has six caps for the Netherlands to his name, is under contract at the Johan Cruijff ArenA until 2024.
Former Chelsea player and manager Gullit also recently urged Ten Hag not to take the ‘terrible’ United job due to the level of scrutiny and pressure from Old Trafford legends.
‘Is it the right choice? That remains to be seen. They want to play the football he plays, but it will be a really terrible job,’ he said.
‘There are all these former players in the TV studios: Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes… There is constant pressure on the team, that is not easy.
‘Know what to expect, it’s a huge job. He also has to be given the time, but I don’t know if you get the time at Manchester United.
‘The former players are constantly talking, you have a lot of things on your plate and you have to be able to handle that.
‘I would like it if a Dutch trainer is successful there, because things are not going so well in Europe.’
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