Jurrien Timber has said two things Erik ten Hag and Manchester United wanted to hear

Jurrien Timber has long been linked with a move to Manchester United and the defender may have given Erik ten Hag two more reasons to make him a priority this summer.

United are exploring the possibility of signing a new defensive option, with Ten Hag keen to add more quality in that area. Club captain Harry Maguire could leave in search of more regular football, opening up a space in that area of the squad.

Timber has been on United's radar since last summer, with the Reds desperately trying to bring the Dutchman to the club before turning their attention to Lisandro Martinez. But after another strong season with the Eredivisie side, the 22-year-old continues to be linked with a move.

A strong, versatile and technically gifted defender, Timber has provided plenty of reasons for top sides - United included - to have him on their radar. But equally important to Ten Hag is the psychological aspect of competing for major honours.

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The Reds boss has made no secret of the fact that his players must have the same elite mentality as himself, while the arrivals of the likes of Casemiro and Martinez are proof of how much he values leadership - both core values that Timber showed once again when talking about Ajax's below-par campaign.

“We failed to win the title this year - and when that happens as an Ajax player, you have to feel ashamed," Timber admitted. "That is not a usual thing for Ajax and it is not usual for me. All through my career, right from the youth academy, I have been used to winning titles.

“We have been brought up in an atmosphere of fighting for trophies and that is what I want. But everything that has happened in my career,