Manchester United have began monitoring a new midfielder as they look for reinforcement with many other top clubs showing interest in the 24-year-old.
It is well known that Manchester United have been monitoring midfielders as they look to strengthen their squad depth in the search for long-term replacements for current players.
Ruben Amorim has been consistent with his 3-4-3 formation, despite heavy doubters. The system requires his midfielders to cover great distances both on and off the ball, therefore athletic profiles are ideal for the reds.
United have been reliant on Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro consistently to be the midfield pairing this season, and together they have gained a run of form stretching to five games unbeaten.
United’s most recent fixture saw the reds come away with a point after a close 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. It was Matthijs De Ligt’s late header which evened out the scoreline in the dying embers of the tie.
Question marks remain over the sustainability of United’s current midfield pairing and the search for replacements has gone far and wide. United may have identified the potential solution and the long term fix.
United monitoring Timber as midfield replacement
According to Caught Offside, with Casemiro’s exit looking more likely as his contract runs out in the summer, United have turned their attention to the Eredivisie, particularly, Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber.
Casemiro is known for his elite ball-winning ability and United would have thought that their 2024 summer signing Manuel Ugarte would be the man to come into that role. However, the Uruguayan’s time at the club has been underwhelming.
Ugarte looks to be sloppy on the ball and reckless out of possession, often leading to gaps appearing in the United midfield.
Meanwhile Kobbie Mainoo may look to leave as he has struggled for minutes under Amorim as Bruno Fernandes keeps him out the team. Fernandes has started in every Premier League game this season and the 31-year-old’s Saudi rejection appears to make a statement that Fernandes is set to stay.
Timber has featured in ten of Feyenoord’s twelve league fixtures this season earning himself consistent international call-ups to Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side.
What can Timber bring to United
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation remains over Timber’s future with many clubs showing interest in the Dutchman, including West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, where Quentin could play alongside his twin brother, Jurien Timber under Mikel Arteta.
However, with an established midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, Old Trafford could be a more suited location for Timber.
Timber is the embodiment of the Dutch footballing philosophy, with his versatility in positional ability and strong athleticism playing a crucial role in Feyenoord’s matches. The midfielder is technically elite showing brilliant awareness to retain possession and hold off challenges despite his smaller frame.
Read More: Ronald Koeman makes bizarre claim after snubbing Matthijs de Ligt for the Netherlands vs Poland
With United looking unlikely to make an attempt to sign the Dutchman in January, opportunity remains for Dortmund who could make a move in the winter transfer window.
The temptation of having such an imperative role in the system could be the deciding factor in United’s attempt to potentially get pen to paper with Timber as the long term solution for a midfielder is far from fixed.
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