A number of Manchester United supporters have criticised former manager Louis van Gaal for seemingly interfering with the club's hopes of signing Ajax defender Jurrien Timber this summer.
United had identified the highly rated 21-year-old as their top target to strengthen their defensive options this summer following a stellar 2021/22 campaign under United manager Erik ten Hag. Playing a formidable role in helping the Dutch giants clinch their latest Eredivisie title, Timber was outstanding, winning the club's Young Player of the Year award.
Capable of operating at both right-back and centre-back, the Netherlands international racked up 43 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals. He established himself as one of the most highly rated young defenders in Europe and United are keen on adding him to their ranks to bolster their defensive line.
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However, despite United's hopes of signing the Dutchman, former Reds boss Van Gaal, who is currently in charge of the Netherlands national team, has all but advised Timber against sealing a summer move to Old Trafford. He 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."
Since then, Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan has detailed just how big an influence Van Gaal has had on potentially denying United the chance to sign Timber. From his own understanding, he believed Timber was ready to make the move to Old Trafford a fortnight ago, only for his national coach to put him off.
"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."
The news, unsurprisingly, has been greeted with a wave of frustration and anger from United's supporters, who have taken aim at Van Gaal for potentially scuppering the Reds' hopes of landing one of their leading targets.
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