Jurrien Timber reacts to Antony’s move from Ajax to Manchester United

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Antony‘s move from Ajax to Manchester United was confirmed yesterday, with a long running saga coming to a successful end.

The winger is the second player Erik ten Hag has signed from Ajax this transfer window, following centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

There was nearly another Ajax player who signed too. At the start of the summer it was Jurrien Timber who was strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Timber eventually decided to stay, amid warnings from Louis van Gaal that his place at the World Cup could be impacted if he was not a regular at United right away.

READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23

Jurrien Timber reacts to Antony’s move

Timber has since doubled down on his commitment to Ajax, signing a contract extension which was announced by the Dutch club earlier in August.

Last night Timber was presented with his young player of the year award at a special ceremony, and was quizzed about Antony’s departure to Manchester United.

Speaking to NOS, Timber congratulated his now ex-teammate on his £81.3 million move, and made an interesting statement on his own future.

He said: “I think it’s nice for him. It is a very nice step for a nice amount. He’s done well and that’s why he deserves it.

Asked if he would go for a similar fee himself, he said: “It would be nice. That would be a dream come true.”

A busy couple of days lies ahead for Ajax as they look to strengthen, using some of the funds gained from Antony’s departure.

Timber said: “I think we have a lot of good players within the group, but it is up to Ajax itself to say whether he should be replaced. Of course we have a feeling for it, but in the end we just have to do it – with or without a replacement.”

We can only wonder if Timber holds some regret over not jumping at the move. Erik ten Hag may still be back for him in the future.

Timber is still young, only 21, and part of his reason for staying was that he felt his time at Ajax simply wasn’t over. Big moves will come his way in the future

If that happens to be at United, he could renew his successful partnership with Lisandro Martinez. For now, he will have to watch from afar how Martinez and Antony fare with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.