Manchester United fans have criticised former manager Louis van Gaal for ruining the club’s chances of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.
Erik ten Hag had identified the 21 year old Timber as a key transfer target for Manchester United and was confident about signing his former player until Holland manager Van Gaal intervened.
Timber played a key role as Ten Hag’s Ajax side won the Dutch league last season, winning the club’s Young Player of the Year award in the process.
Capable of operating at both right-back and centre-back, the Netherlands international racked up 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.
With Timber all set to reunite with Ten Hag at Manchester United, Holland head coach Van Gaal advised Timber against sealing a summer move to Old Trafford or he could miss out on Holland’s World Cup squad.
Van Gaal made the admission earlier this month ahead of his side’s 2-1 win over Wales in the UEFA Nations League.
Van Gaal said: “I think a player with his qualities can play in the Premier League. That’s not a problem. But if he has to make this step now… that’s another question. It is not so wise I think [to join United]. He has to play.”
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan has also confirmed Timber was all set to join Manchester United before Van Gaal stopped him.
“Absolutely dead in the water, the player was ready to move and his agent went to London offices two weeks ago, money was never a problem,” said Van der Kraan. “Then Louis van Gaal turned up.”
As expected, Manchester United fans have now slammed Van Gaal for potentially scuppering the Reds’ hopes of landing one of our leading targets.
@UtdScout tweeted: “I don’t get why Timber would think he’s not going to play much if ETH is pushing for a big money move for him. The guy should back himself to succeed – and ignore LVG.”
@Junior10Muzza tweeted: “But keeps calling Nathan Ake who barely gets a game at City. Van Gaal is just a bitter ex!”
@fifautcr tweeted: “It’s common knowledge that Van Gaal hates Manchester United.”
@dypoh3 tweeted: “Of course LVG is still bitter.”
@Daniel996468361 tweeted: “Van gaal must move on with his bitterness”
