Former Man United boss urges defender not to join the club

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has warned one of the Red Devils’ top targets for this summer that he should not join the club.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timbers has been linked with a move to Old Trafford to reunite with manager Erik ten Hag this summer, but the Netherlands boss has discouraged him from doing so.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Nations League tie against Wales on Wednesday, the national team manager insisted that remaining in the Dutch Eredivisie would be best for the 20-year-old.

“I think a player with his [Timber’s] qualities can play in the Premier League,” he said.

“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 move to United]. He has to play,” he added.

Timber has been urged to stay put with Ajax for at least one more season

Van Gaal, who will step down as Netherlands boss after the World Cup this winter, is not short of options at centre-back with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Nathan Ake and Stefan de Vrij all likely to be included in his squad.

Timber’s chances of making the squad already hang in the balance, and his national coach has now encouraged him to stay put in order to increase his chances, which spells bad news for United.

The 70-year-old took charge of the Red Devils for two seasons between 2014 and 2016, and won the FA Cup during his time in Manchester.

Timber had emerged as a target for Ten Hag as he looks to improve a United defence that struggled last season.

Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are both expected to depart the club this summer leaving only Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof as senior central defensive options.

Timber has established himself as a regular over the past two years, playing fifty top flight matches since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.