Jurrien Timber to Man Utd 'not that smart', says Van Gaal
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 9 Jun 2022 00:42 BST
- 3 min read
Jurrien Timber’s transfer to Manchester United looks in greater danger than ever after Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal old the Ajax star not to make the move.
Timber has been linked with the opportunity to follow former boss Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford, although in recent days the Eredivisie side have grown increasingly confident that the full-back will remain with them.
Their hopes have doubtless been boosted by the fact that Van Gaal has told the defender to remain with Ajax.
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Van Gaal on Timber transfer
Speaking ahead of the Netherlands’ Nations League clash with Wales on Wednesday, Van Gaal said: “I think a player with his qualities can play in the Premier League, so that’s not a problem.
“The question is whether he should make this big step now. What if he doesn’t get into the first team? Then it’s not that smart, I think. He has to play.”
Why Van Gaal’s words carry so much weight
The Netherlands coach could play an important role in any decision that Timber makes this summer for a couple of reasons.
The first of these is a very direct reason: he is the man who will pick the Dutch squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which begins in November. He has sent out a clear message to the Ajax player defender: if he is not playing first-team football, it will complicate his selection for that tournament, which is surely a major goal.
Secondly, Van Gaal is well aware of the politics and background issues at Old Trafford, having been Man Utd manager from 2014-16. He previously advised Ten Hag against taking the job.
Jurrien timber vs belgium pic.twitter.com/5vjwldobMT
— َ (@ei7iu) June 6, 2022
Is it worth Timber putting his World Cup hopes on the line to become another victim of Man Utd’s problems?
Van Gaal, after all, has seen other promising young Dutch talent fail there. It was, for instance, him who took Memphis Depay to Old Trafford only to see him struggle.
A young player with the world at his feet, Timber has been given cause to have second thoughts over Man Utd. No wonder Ajax are growing increasingly confident of retaining him.
