Louis van Gaal has given his opinion on Jurrien Timber’s proposed move to Manchester United this summer.
The young Ajax defender has been heavily tipped to follow Erik ten Hag across the North Sea to Manchester United following his showings for the Eredivisie champions for who he made 43 appearances last season.
United are reported to have opened talks with Ajax over a move, though there have been suggestions that the player is having doubts about moving to Old Trafford, with the 20-year-old keeping one eye on the World Cup this November.
Louis van Gaal recently left Georginio Wijnaldum out of the Netherlands squad for this month’s international fixtures, and Timber – who has made seven caps for the Oranje – is aware of his need to be playing regular football in order to maintain his place.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, former United boss Van Gaal – who hasn’t been short of criticism for his former club over the years – said Timber has the quality to play in the Premier League, though insisted ‘he has to play’.
“I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League. That is not a problem,” he said.
“If he has to make this big step now, that’s the question.
“(If he does not play) then he is not so wise, I think. He has to play.”
