·
·
Monday, 5 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Football
Thomas Müller confirmed Manchester United offered roughly €100 million for him in 2015, a deal blocked by Bayern Munich despite his interest in rejoining Louis van Gaal.
Manchester United’s attempt to sign Thomas Müller in 2015 involved a bid of approximately €100 million, according to the player himself. Speaking on the GOAL podcast The Late Run, Müller clarified that the English club sought to pay this sum to Bayern Munich for his services. However, the transfer never materialized because he remained under contract with the German record champions, who exercised their right to veto the move.
Müller admitted he seriously contemplated leaving Bayern at age 25. A primary factor was the presence of Louis van Gaal, the coach who had launched Müller’s career at Bayern, then managing Old Trafford. "The offer was very good and it gave me the chance to work with my mentor again," Müller explained. He noted feeling ready for the Premier League challenge during his mid-20s, acknowledging thoughts that he "really should go."
Contrary to expectations of disappointment, Müller expressed satisfaction with Bayern’s refusal to sell. He interpreted the rejection of such a substantial financial offer as a strong signal of trust. "It was a big compliment that they turned down €100 million and signalled to me: 'You are our man,'" he stated. This sentiment aligned with his comfort at Säbener Straße, where he valued competing for the Champions League annually and maintaining status as Germany’s top club.
As a home-grown talent, Müller emphasized a heightened sense of responsibility toward fans compared to other players. He enjoyed the pressure associated with being a Germany international and always feeling in the spotlight while playing for Bayern.
Müller revealed another instance when a departure crossed his mind, occurring during the 2018/19 season. Under then-coach Niko Kovac, Müller found himself occasionally relegated to a second-choice role. Disclosing these details in 2024 via kicker and in 2025 through SPIEGEL, he said, "I spoke to the club's management and was too ambitious to be comfortable with the role of a reserve player." The situation resolved itself when Kovac was replaced by Hansi Kovač, preventing any concrete move from taking shape.
Müller concluded his Bayern tenure in 2025 after accumulating 756 competitive appearances. His trophy cabinet includes two Champions League titles (2013, 2020) and numerous domestic honors. Currently playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS, the 2014 World Cup winner extended his contract by six months in late September. Since joining the Canadian side, he has recorded 11 goals and assists combined across 45 matches, contributing significantly to the team’s standing.
