Manchester United’s potential new coach could well prove to be the key in their pursuit of one midfielder this summer.
Erik ten Hag, after two weeks of being in the dark about his future at Old Trafford, will be remaining at Manchester United and looks set to be rewarded with a new deal.
Last season was not good enough for the Red Devils as they finished in eighth place but did qualify for the Europa League after winning the FA Cup.
This summer promises to be a crucial one at Old Trafford and changes are set to be made in the backroom staff and one change, in particular, could be pivotal to the club’s transfer plans.
United’s backroom appointment could be key
As part of Ten Hag’s new deal, HITC understands that Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake is set to join the Dutchman’s coaching staff at Old Trafford.
Hake isn’t the only Dutch manager set to join with Ruud Van Nistelrooy closing in on a return to Old Trafford, after his spell in Manchester as a player.
This begs the question about what the future holds for current coaches Steve McClaren and Mitchell Van Der Gaag.
However, with Hake potentially coming through the door, this could help the Red Devils sign one player, Quentin Timber.
The Dutch midfielder is brother to Jurrien Timber of Arsenal and HITC can confirm that the Red Devils are one of the sides who are interested in the midfielder, as well as Feyenoord’s Mats Wieffer.
Timber could offer something that United currently don’t have
A new midfielder in the engine room is surely one of the Red Devils’ key priorities this summer as HITC have previously stated that Casemiro is one player that Ineos are keen to get rid of this summer.
Sources told HITC last week that Morten Hjulmand, who netted a stunning equaliser for Denmark against England, is someone who the Red Devils are watching at Euro 2024.
As for Timber, the Dutchman is more of a box-to-box sort of midfielder and has superb ability to retain possession when getting pressed.
When asked about his favoured position at Feyenoord, Timber said: “I am in my power when I can play from box-to-box, I’m honest about it.
“With Lutsharel Geertruida as controller, I can attack and defend. But a controlling role is also fine, because I am able to take a ball away.”
An energetic, press-resistant midfielder like Timber is exactly what the Red Devils need and with the appointment of Hake, who was manager of FC Utrecht when Timber was at the club, a deal could be possible this summer.
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