‘Manchester United couldn’t’: Rio Ferdinand reacts to Arsenal signing Jurrien Timber

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has labelled Arsenal’s summer signing Jurrien Timber as a ‘big player’ following his move from Ajax.

The former Premier League title-winner added that ‘Manchester United tried to get Jurrien Timber‘ last summer, but Erik ten Hag’s side were unsuccessful and went for Lisandro Martinez, instead.

Those from Old Trafford have still faired well because of how well Martinez has played, but this is still a gain for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, with Ferdinand adding that there will be real ‘pressure’ on the team this season, as he told TNT Sports.

The London club were flying high for so long last season, only to shoot themselves in the foot during the crunch moments of the campaign and then crumble to a second-placed finish.

In order to make the wrongs of the previous campaign right, the club have backed Arteta once more, including the big-money captures of Timber, Kai Havertz and their club-record transfer, Declan Rice.

When Ferdinand was discussing all things Arsenal with new TNT host, Laura Woods, the subject of summer signings and this forthcoming campaign was brought up.

“Timber as well, big player, big player,” said Ferdinand. “Manchester United tried to get him before they signed Martinez. They couldn’t get him.

“The one difference Arsenal have is that, last year, no-one expected them to be up there. This season, they have a target on their back every time they play. Play different. Pressure.”

Timber is an underrated capture from Arsenal

There is no doubt that, from the media and the fans, the signing of Havertz and Rice has gained more heat and talking points.

As a result, the arrival of Timber has gone under the radar, even though he could prove to be the club’s best pound-for-pound capture.

Ben White can’t tuck in from the right flank like Oleksandr Zinchenko can from the left, but with Timber’s arrival, Arsenal can now play in that inverted way on both sides, which adds meat, danger and dynamism to their play.