A section of Manchester United fans have turned their frustration on Louis van Gaal for allegedly interfering with the club’s hopes of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.
The 21-year-old is extremely versatile and is already renowned as one of Europe’s most promising defenders after earning a place in Van Gaal’s Netherlands side.
Following an impressive 2021/22 campaign under United manager Erik ten Hag, Timber not only collected another Eredivisie winners’ medal, but he also won the club’s Young Player of the Year award.
Timber is one of the Ajax players Ten Hag wants to bring to Old Trafford, but he looks set to stay in Amsterdam ahead of the World Cup later this year.
Lisandro Martinez is another and he could be a back-up option to his defensive partner in the transfer window, if United are willing to rival Arsenal for the Argentine’s signature.
Read more: Erik ten Hag stunned by Jurrien Timber decision
Netherlands boss Van Gaal recently questioned whether the centre-back is ready for a move to the Premier League, saying: “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.”
Since then, respected Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan says Van Gaal has had an influence on potentially denying United the chance to sign the talented defender. He understands that Timber had already been convinced to make the move to Manchester.
“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,” Van der Kraan told Sky Sports News.
“Then Louis van Gaal turned up.”
United fans have reacted to this news on social media and it would be safe to say they aren’t happy with former manager Van Gaal.
Nathan Ake plays sporadically for City – Van Gaal: No problem, welcome to the Dutch squad.
But if Timber plays sporadically for United (and I think he’d play quite regularly tbh) he’s out of the Dutch squad.
It’s personal, unprofessional and not acceptable from LVG.#MUFC
— Lola Podengo (@LPodengo) June 19, 2022
Van gaal must move on with his bitterness
— Daniel (@Daniel996468361) June 19, 2022
I used to like Louis Van Gaal….but now his just been a nob #mufc
— Imran (@thatBanglaguy) June 20, 2022
Of course LVG is still bitter.
— ETH (@dypoh3) June 19, 2022
The bitterness in Van Gaal voice or his facial expression anytime he talks about #MUFC since his departure is worrisome,Van Gaal influenced Timber decision
I see nothing but another angry anti #mufc— smart body piercer (@ToolzSmart) June 20, 2022
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.
— Red Devil on the hill (@UtdScout) June 19, 2022
But keeps calling Nathan Ake who barely gets a game at City. Van Gaal is just a bitter ex!
— suso80 (@Junior10Muzza) June 19, 2022
Van Gaal should meet up with Woodward and just box it out honestly #MUFC
— ZULU Cantona👑 (@MjekeUTD) June 20, 2022
