Manchester United are set for a new era under Ruben Amorim, with the hierarchy backing the manager in his quest for success during the off-season.
He’s already spent around £200m on new additions, largely having to work with the players signed by former boss Erik ten Hag – who was sacked back in October last year.
The Dutchman led the side to third place in the Premier League back in his first year, but his £600m spending spree was ultimately a failure, which saw various talents fail to impress at the club.
Lisandro Martínez and Antony are just two players who followed the former boss from Ajax in the summer of 2022, costing a staggering £142m combined – with the latter set to leave this summer for nearly a third of his original fee.
However, Amorim may be about to repeat the dealings made by Ten Hag at Old Trafford this window, especially if one player makes the move to join the Red Devils.
Man Utd plot move for Carlos Baleba alternative
In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, Brighton star Carlos Baleba has emerged as a key target for United between now and the end of the transfer window.
Whilst he still remains a viable option for the Red Devils, his current £100m price tag could prove to be too much given the recent business, with other talents needing to be considered in due course.
As a result, a shortlist of alternatives have been drawn up by the hierarchy, which has seen Feyenoord star Quinten Timber being considered, according to FootballTransfers.
Their report claims that Amorim’s men are closely monitoring a move for the 24-year-old, who made 26 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Dutch Super Cup.
It also states that his current employers, who are managed by former United star Robin van Persie, are open to allowing the midfielder to leave, should they receive an acceptable offer for his services.
Why Timber would be another Ten Hag-esque signing
Despite previously holding talks to land Baleba over the last couple of weeks, a deal between now and the September 1st deadline could appear to be unlikely.
His staggering asking price would see United fork out a club-record fee for the 21-year-old, surpassing the £89m they paid for Paul Pogba back in the summer of 2016.
Ahead of the first Premier League matchday of the 2025/26 season, Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler has spoken about Baleba’s future at the club and a potential move away from the AMEX.
He stated that he’s extremely confident the player will stay beyond the summer, which could see the Red Devils go on and pursue a move to land Timber from Feyenoord.
There’s no denying that the Dutchman would be a cheaper signing, but he could also prove to be a better addition if he can replicate his recent form from the Eredivisie.
When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Dutchman managed to outperform Baleba in various key areas, potentially handing the manager a better option at the heart of the side.
Timber, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, showcased his excellent ability in possession, completing more key passes per 90, with more which being into the opposition’s box – handing the new attacking trio a chance to impress this season.
Games played
18
34
Goals & assists
6
4
Progressive carries
1.6
1.4
Progressive passes
4.4
3.8
Key passes made
1.4
0.7
Passes into the 18-yard box
1.1
0.7
Tackles won
1.6
1.5
Tackle success rate
61%
60%
Aerials won
69%
60%
He also dominated the Cameroonian out of possession, registering more tackles per 90, whilst winning more of the dispossession attempts he entered – offering the ball-winning presence the boss craves.
His aerial ability is also far superior compared to the Brighton star, having the talent to be a needed presence at both ends of the pitch when called upon.
It’s unclear how much the Dutch outfit are currently demanding for Timber’s signature, but it’s clear that he’s a sensational talent who could provide a bargain solution to the midfield issue.
However, caution must also be taken by the Red Devils hierarchy in the coming weeks, needing to take their previous dealings from the Ten Hag era into account before making an official approach.
As previously mentioned, the additions the former boss made from the Dutch top division have so far proved unsuccessful, which would undoubtedly present questions over a move for Timber should he wear the club’s red shirt in 2025/26.
