Van Gaal: I Never Told Gakpo and Timber Not To Join Manchester United

Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands’ national team coach, has denied allegations that he persuaded Jurrien Timber and Cody Gakpo not to join Manchester United this summer.

According to reports, certain members of the Dutch squad warned the former Manchester United manager against going to Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag, the former Ajax manager, joined Manchester United in the summer and shown interest in many Eredivisie players.

Ten Hag signed Jurrien Timber and Feyenoord forward Cody Gakpo, and with the World Cup starting in November, van Gaal advised Timber and Gakpo that leaving their present clubs in the summer was ‘not so sensible.’

“Many players have phoned me, that is true,” Van Gaal remarked, according to de Telegraaf.

“I have always closed the chats with the words: this is advise, you should always stay close to yourself and make your own choice.” The storm has passed, and I must declare that it has pleased me.”