Manchester United will face Jose Mourinho’s Roma over the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber next summer, according to a new report.
United were unsuccessful over the summer in their efforts to bring the Dutch centre-back to Old Trafford with the player aware of playing time ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
Instead, United manager Erik ten Hag arranged a meeting with Lisandro Martinez and Brazilian winger Antony.
However, the Red Devils haven’t completely given up on a move for Timber and may come back for him in the coming windows.
However, the 20-time English champions will face stiff competition from Roma.
According to Calciomercato, the Giallorossi have prioritized the 21-year-old, who is Mourinho’s favourite.
Roma scouts have been privy to Timber on multiple occasions this season, with reviews of the Ajax star nothing short of spectacular.
The Serie A giants will have to be inventive and figure out a way to beat United and Bayern Munich to secure Timber’s services.
However, they are likely to fail, with several factors lining up in United’s favour.
The presence of Ten Hag alone on the bench, an individual Timber is familiar with, is likely to influence the player’s decision towards a move to England if faced with such a dilemma.
The lure of the Premier League and United’s financial might, which dwarfs Roma’s ability, also point to an obvious outcome.
It is important that United remove interest in Timber by tying him up. You have to make a deal. He would arrive as another competent option for Ten Hag at centre-back alongside Martinez and Raphael Varane. 
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