Former Man United Boss Responds to Claims He Warned Players Against Joining the Red Devils

• The Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal was at the centre of Man United's summer transfer business
• At the time, United had been linked with several Dutch players, including Frenkie de Jong, Jurrien Timber, and Cody Gakpo
• It is understood that Van Gaal had warned some of the players against moving to Old Trafford, with Gakpo revealing the Dutchman told him the transfer would not be ideal
• However, the former United boss has defended his actions, inisiting that his was merely a piece of advice, and the players had the freedom to make their own independent decisions

Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has hit back at claims suggesting that he urged players from his Netherlands squad not to join the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag's appointment as United's new manager in April saw a number of players from the Netherlands linked with summer moves to Old Trafford.

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Frenkie de Jong, Jurrien Timber, and Cody Gakpo are among the top Dutch players who United were reported to be tracking.

The Manchester club eventually signed Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord., with Brazilian Antony and Lisandro Martinez also joining from the Eredivisie.

According to Metro UK, Timber is one such player who was reportedly warned by Van Gaal against sealing a move to Man United, especially with the 2022 World Cup on the horizon.

On his part, Gakpo revealed that the Dutch manager also advised him against joining United because the transfer was not ideal.

Louis van Gaal responds to claims he stopped Dutch players from joining Man United

Van Gaal has now come out to address the allegations about him warning Dutch players against moving to Man United.

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According to the former Red Devils boss, his was merely a piece of advice to his players, insisting that he told players to trust their own judgment.

"Many players have called me, that is indeed true," de Telegraaf quoted Van Gaal saying.

"I have always ended the conversations with the words: this is advice, you should always stay close to yourself and make the choice yourself," the 71-year-old added.

Ten Hag to receive massive budget in January

Earlier Sports Brief reported on Erik Ten Hag's January budget, which is expected to be more than £100 million if Cristiano leaves.

Ten Hag spent over £200 million this past summer and hopes to bolster his squad in January, with Frenkie De Jong still his most preferred target.

If the Old Trafford club doesn't win the title this season, it will be 10 years since they last lifted the coveted trophy.