Former Tottenham player Marciano Vink has blasted Louis Van Gaal for his influence in the Jurrien Timber to Manchester United deal.
The Ajax center-back was known to be close to joining the Red Devils weeks back but things have taken an ugly turn. Recent reports suggest that the deal is off and the defender has preferred to stay at Ajax.
Netherlands national team manager Van Gaal didn’t want to join Timber to affect his national team spot by playing for the Old Trafford outfit.
Erik Ten Hag is a fan of Timber’s style of play and he feels that he could perfectly fit into his system. However, Van Gaal believed that Timber could be a bench warmer at United, and other players like Harry Maguire, Varane, and Lindelof may get the nod to play ahead of him.
Marciano Vink has hit back at Van Gaal for his hand in Timber’s United rejection. As reported by Dutch publications VoetbalZone, he said:
“That’s a bit contradictory. Who tells me that if Timber goes to Manchester United he won’t play? And if he doesn’t play, he won’t deliver to the Dutch national team?
“He is a key player for Manchester United and the game they want to play, football from the back and can put high pressure on, a key player. Together with Frenkie de Jong.”
Also, he was asked if Inter Milan defender Stefen De Vrij would be a better alternative for Ten Hag to target.
He said:
“Not that De Vrij is a bad player, but a completely different type. So I can understand the frustration. And I find it difficult when a national coach interferes with that.”
The club’s board has already decided they need to invest in their defence to provide competition to the under-performing centre-backs. Also, a reshuffle would make sure that the manager may get to know his best eleven.
However, Jurrein Timber’s rejection would be a blow for a club who are already not catching up pace in the current transfer window. The deal to bring in Frenkie De Jong is taking longer time than expected.
Another Ajax player who has been linked as an alternative option is Lisandro Martinez. The 24-year-old Argentinian centre-back could be a good target if the club options to go for a defender in the coming weeks.
