Manchester United targets Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber send message to Nathan Ake

Manchester United targets Frenkie de Jong and Jurrien Timber have shared a glowing verdict on Nathan Ake after the trio combined in an eye-catching victory for the Netherlands on Friday night.

Not always a first-choice for Pep Guardiola and his star-studded Manchester City team, Ake was handed a start by Louis van Gaal against Belgium last night and the centre-back repaid the faith shown in him. Ake was part of a back three which also featured Timber and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

It meant there was no place in the starting XI for Matthijs de Ligt. However, the Netherlands were rock solid at the back regardless and Ake was among those to lay down the platform for a 4-1 win which got the Nations League up and running in compelling fashion for the Netherlands against top-ranked opponents.

De Jong was picked out for praise by former United manager Van Gaal during his post-match interview, but when sharing his own assessment on the 4-1 win, the Barcelona midfielder was suitable impressed with Ake - as too was fellow United target Timber.

Posting on Instagram, rarely-used City defender Ake said: "A top team performance against a quality team. We are looking forward to Wednesday now." The post featured an image of Ake on the ball after competing with Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, who pulled up with an injury in Brussels.

De Jong kept it short and sweet with his verdict - posting a hand clap emoji in the comments section. Highly-rated Ajax starlet Timber promptly followed with three fire emojis as the Netherlands prepare for further Nations League matches against Wales (twice) and Poland.