Manchester United Transfer News: Bayern Munich Demand End to Thomas Muller Bids

Manchester United have reportedly been told to back off by Bayern Munich in their attempts to sign Thomas Muller.

That’s according to Christian Falk, the chief football writer for Bild, who tweeted a quote from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, insisting the Red Devils have made multiple offers for Muller, but he’s going nowhere:

As noted by Charles Perrin of the Daily Express, the Red Devils were linked with a move for the gangly forward throughout the summer months. United eventually ended up signing Anthony Martial instead and he looks like a player with world-class potential. But Muller is very much the finished article already.

Indeed, according to Perrin’s piece, manager Louis van Gaal was willing to part with £71 million to bring Muller to Old Trafford. Here’s a reminder of why:

There aren’t many players like the German international in world football. Muller isn’t the quickest, strongest or the most skilful, even though he is capable in all of those areas. What makes the Bayern man such a tremendous player is his instinctive movements and propensity for affecting games with crucial moments.

As noted here by FCB Media’s Cristian Nyari, Muller, who bagged a brace in Bayern’s 5-1 win over Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, has a knack for influencing big matches too:

United could do with a player of his calibre at the sharp end of the pitch. While Martial has enjoyed a strong start to life at United, he’ll have oscillations in form, just as any 19-year-old will. Worryingly for the Red Devils, if he does drop off the pace, players who can come in and take over seem scarce.

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Wayne Rooney, United’s only other senior centre-forward, looks well short of his best at the moment too. Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez thinks United should have invested in some more forward players in the previous transfer window:

Try as they might, Muller seems to be a fanciful proposition. Not only does the 26-year-old seem to be enjoying his football at the Allianz Arena, Bayern would be at loathe to sell him. After all, Muller is a player who is central to the Bavarians’ identity and a local figure who supporters can gravitate towards.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

It’s imperative Bayern preserve that kind of core in their squad. As noted here by OptaFranz, it’s something they have seemed to be moving a little away from as of late:

But with Muller at the point of the attack, this team looks formidable, as the link-up between Muller and strike partner Robert Lewandowski has been a joy to watch this season. As such, it’s tough to foresee any scenario emerging in the years to come which will prompt Bayern into cashing in on their No. 25.

United do need forward reinforcements and as one of the grandest teams in world football, it’s no surprise to hear they’re targeting world-class forwards. Still, Bayern aren’t a club who are bullied into selling players they want to keep, especially when, as is the case with Muller, they’re so important to the football club.