Manchester United icon Jaap Stam has warned Erik ten Hag about signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber because of considerations about his physicality. But Ten Hag trusted his instincts in reuniting with Lisandro Martinez in his first switch window at Old Trafford and could also be assured of comparable success with Timber.

The 21-year-old reportedly virtually joined United final summer season earlier than then-Netherlands supervisor Louis van Gaal instructed a transfer might injury his 2022 World Cup hopes.

And hyperlinks with becoming a member of his former Ajax boss in M16 have not disappeared, with Ten Hag stated to be eyeing a centre-back and right-back forward of his second season in cost.

However, Stam doubts whether or not his fellow Dutchman possesses the aggression required to reach the Premier League.

He advised Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad: "The big advantage of United for Timber is that he already knows Ten Hag and vice versa.

"The intentions of the coach are moulded to Timber, however make no mistake: that is the Premier League.

"There, you can't always be dominant. You have to duel much more against strikers like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.

"Everyone with Lisandro Martínez was additionally interested by that. It seems that he did it.

"With Timber, I just miss a certain amount of aggression – sometimes even being a little mean – in his game.

"That can also be, for instance, in giving the primary blow earlier than the true duels come. Martinez does. You can be taught that too, nevertheless it must be in you."

Martinez received similar questions after making his £57million switch to United last summer, and concerns over his height intensified after a poor opening two games.

But he has since established himself as one of the Premier League's best centre-backs this season, using his knowhow and aerial ability to dominate duels.

And Martinez's passing range has made him just as much an attacking asset for the United as he is defensive.

Ten Hag will be confident that Timber can make a similar impact if the Red Devils secure his signature in the coming months.

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