Manchester United could reportedly try to bring 2014 World Cup winner and Bayern Munich veteran midfielder Thomas Muller to Old Trafford if he decides to leave Allianz Arena.
According to German outlet Bild, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag could make an attempt to try and land legendary Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Muller on a Bosman transfer in the next summer transfer window.
The 126-capped German international has been one of Europe’s most consistent performers for well over a decade and has spent his entire career at the Allianz Arena, bagging 145 league goals in 452 games across 16 seasons.
Now, at the age of 34, there is a decision for Muller to make with his contract winding down in Bavaria at the end of the season. He remains an integral figure in the German champions’ dressing room, but he has tumbled down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel this season, racking up just 329 minutes of Bundesliga action.
Harry Kane’s arrival, combined with Leroy Sane hitting top form and the emergence of Jamal Musiala, have all combined to torpedo Muller’s gametime. With only five starts to his name, it is unclear whether he will continue his career at Bayern, as he does not yet know his role for the current campaign.
It’s understood that Muller has not begun talks with Bayern over a new deal, while he himself suggested that he definitely does not want to end his career in the summer, ruling out the possibility of a potential retirement at the end of the season following his contract expiration with Die Roten.
Muller said to Bild: “I definitely want to play for another year beyond 2024. At least that’s my plan. I’m still having fun being on the pitch – I hope that shows.”
In principle, both sides can agree to a one-year extension for the legend, but it’s not sure-shot. As such, a landmark move to another side could be on the cards in 2024, despite Muller’s association with the club dating all the way back to 2000.
The 12-time Bundesliga champion would certainly have no shortage of offers if he did choose to try something new late in his career. He is expected to receive lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
Long-term admirers Manchester United could also revive their interest after Erik ten Hag failed with a move for Muller during the winter window earlier this year, although it is debatable whether a move to the Premier League at this stage of his career would be appealing to him.
The Red Devils’ lack of goals is worrying fans, pundits, and former players the most, with just 13 goals scored in 12 Premier League matches this term, the 14th-worst record in the division. Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has yet to score a Premier League goal, despite his exploits in the Champions League, while Marcus Rashford’s goals have severely dried up this season.
While Muller’s experience, versatility, and footballing brain could help their cause massively, the pace and physicality of the English top flight could prove too much for him right now. Having said that, given United’s blotted track record of signing ageing superstars (Radamel Falcao, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Alexis Sanchez, etc.), with Casemiro the latest to join the list, nothing can be surely ruled out when the transfer window rolls around.
