Erik ten Hag favourite could solve two Manchester United problems despite Jaap Stam warning

Manchester United fans might be rather grateful their transfer plans didn’t go quite according to plan a year ago.

Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro have been two of United's best players this season, but if Erik ten Hag had it his way, neither of them would have been signed last summer. The newly-appointed manager was looking for an Ajax influence upon his arrival at Old Trafford and targeted two players he had worked closely with before.

United stumbled across the addition of Casemiro when it became clear a deal for Frenkie de Jong wasn't going to happen, while Martinez arrived after his former Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber turned down a move.

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Ten Hag retains an interest in both De Jong and Timber this summer, and a year later, there is still logic in adding both of them to the United squad.

De Jong is a rather fanciful target for the creative midfield role given his huge price-tag and his own reluctance to leave Barcelona, but a move for Timber could well be a masterstroke as United look to continue their rebuild.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed another productive campaign in Amsterdam, starting all but one of his side's matches across all competitions.

Timber's decision to remain at Ajax has been vindicated by his starring role in defence, but he has already revealed that he is likely to leave this summer after making an agreement with the club last year.

"A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak," Timber said. "There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract.

"After the season we will review the situation. At the Dutch national team, I