The Dutch legend says Thiago, who starred in Spain’s successful European Under-21 Championship campaign earlier this month, should be free to chase regular first-team football, even if that means quitting the Nou Camp.
Manchester United are currently leading the chase for the 22-year-old, who is behind the liked of Iniesta, Fabregas, Xavi in the Barcelona pecking order, and are more than willing to trigger the playmaker’s €22m release clause.
‘If he really has little chance to play, then he has to go. It all depends on Barcelona’s plans.
‘However, if Barca tell him that he will be a starter, he should stay put. It’s all quite simple really.
‘Thiago has a lot of quality and he has plenty of time as he’s still young. Any decision he will take will prove to be a good one.’
New Manchester United boss David Moyes is looking to add some creative flair to right-back Guillermo Varela who moved to Old Trafford earlier this month.
