PSV winger Cody Gakpo has revealed that the Dutch national, and former Manchester United manager, Louis van Gaal, advised him against moving to Old Trafford and the Premier League in general.
Gakpo also described just how close he was to joining Man United before the move fell through, in an interview with PSV TV.
"We worked the whole window towards it. Until last week, I thought I would go to Manchester United,” Gakpo stated.
Gakpo was also heavily linked with Leeds, but explained that van Gaal did not want any disruptions to his players in a World Cup year, as moving clubs may effect his form and game time.
“I spoke to other clubs, Premier League clubs which could be a good step. But there are more factors to consider, like the World Cup.
“I spoke to the national team coach [van Gaal] and asked for his advice. His advice was clear. That I should follow my feelings. But that a transfer in a World Cup year is such a transition, going from club to club. It’s not ideal for a player, and I agreed with him.
“From my side, it was also a bit last minute because I was looking at United and then I have to choose a different club. It all felt like a bit of a rush. Plus, it wasn’t nice for PSV because it was so last minute.”
Will United Regret Not Signing Gakpo ?
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⚽ 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐃𝐎 𝐏𝐒𝐕!!! 🥳
🎯 Cody Gakpo
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📌 | Eredivisie 2022/23 - 03º Rodadapic.twitter.com/WJMdFtAzHl— 🇳🇱 Futebol Holandês 🇳🇱 (@FutebolHolandes) August 31, 2022
Louis van Gaal also explained his side of story.
"I think a player of his quality can play in the Premier League. That is not a problem. If he has to make this big step now, that's the question. It is not so wise I think (to move to United). He has to play.”
Another Man United target was Dutch international Jurrien Timber. Although there have been reports that van Gaal also advised the Ajax defender against a move to Man United, Timber denies this.
"Many things that are written in the media are false," Timber stated. "Like when people say that it was Louis van Gaal who told me not to go to Manchester United. He actually said I would make minutes there."
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