Manchester United have a new question to ask themselves about Jurrien Timber

It has been six years since Louis van Gaal was sacked by Manchester United, but this summer his influence might well be felt at Old Trafford once again.

This time it is another Dutchman, Erik ten Hag, who is taking up the managerial hot seat, and he arrives with his own plans to bring a taste of the Netherlands to a club known for Totally Inept Football rather than Johan Cruyff's famed tactical system.

Ten Hag is still hoping for compatriot Frenkie de Jong to join him at United and be the poster boy for his new era of success, though a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber looks less certain to be done.

READ MORE: United manager Erik ten Hag targeting five signings in transfer window

The Manchester Evening News reported earlier in the month that United earmarked Timber as their priority defensive target, with the 21-year-old identified as Ten Hag's preferred choice in the summer window.

However, recent reports have revealed Timber has gone cold on the move over fears he won't get regular playing time and will miss out on a place in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

It shows how highly the youngster values representing his national side, which will go a long way to dictating his future career choices, but it does raise the question of whether or not he is the right fit for United this summer.

Each individual player should be free to represent their chosen country whenever they wish, and a club should not be able to stand in their way, though it does perhaps indicate he isn't suited to an Old Trafford move at this moment in time.

With Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof all established at United, there is a realisation that any new defensive recruit this summer won't be a guaranteed starter.

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