Another shattering blow to United’s hopes of signing literally anyone this summer
Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal appears to have scuppered his old club’s chances of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.
The highly-rated 21-year-old was given his Ajax debut by newly appointed United boss Erik ten Hag, who was keen to take him with him to Old Trafford in time for his first season at the club.
Timber also plays under Van Gaal for the Dutch national team but has been warned that a move to United, where he will have competition for a starting sport, could jeopardise his hopes of making the cut for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Timber’s representatives are understood to have held discussions with United about a potential move before the player decided to remain in Amsterdam.
Timber was ‘ready’ to join Man United.
According to Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan, an intervention from Van Gaal influenced the youngster’s decision.
“The player was ready, I think, to come,” Van der Kraan told Sky Sports.
“His agents went over to London to Manchester United’s offices two weeks ago and I think they had very good talks. Money was never a problem.
“But then one man turned up… Louis van Gaal. He told the player in the Dutch camp, ‘look, if you go there, I think your chances could be limited of playing for Holland in the World Cup, three months after the season starts’.
“For Jurrien Timber, a great Ajax-style player, a Ten Hag-style player, that was a bit of a blow.”
🗣️ "Louis Van Gaal made it clear that he would not be in his Dutch team if he wasn't playing every week for United"
Marcel Van Der Kraan reports that Louis Van Gaal may have affected Jurrien Timber's potential transfer to Manchester United ❌ pic.twitter.com/Gtn1sOuV2M
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 19, 2022
Ten Hag ‘stunned’ by Timber rejection
Ten Hag is said to have been ‘stunned’ by Timber’s decision and is yet to make his first signing as United boss.
Talks for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who also played under him at Ajax, are believed to be ongoing, though Christian Eriksen’s reported wish to remain in London has cast doubt that he will be arriving at United in coming weeks.
