Manchester United have been active in the transfer market across the last few summers and winters but one of their defensive targets has opened up on a failed move
Thomas Meunier at Borussia Dortmund
Thomas Meunier was linked with Manchester United while at Borussia Dortmund
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Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier has described himself as a Manchester United supporter, but the defender turned down the chance to join the Red Devils in the past. Meunier was at Borussia Dortmund when he says the opportunity arose.
Meunier joined Dortmund from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and left the club in February 2024. At an unspecified point during that period, though, he says an unnamed coach at Old Trafford attempted to convince him to sign with his agent in order to clinch a move.
"When I was at Dortmund. I could have signed for Manchester United. I didn’t have an agent. And, in fact, the coach there at the time clearly directed me to his agent so I could sign for Manchester United," Meunier told RTBF (via Sport Witness).
"I refused, and I didn’t sign. Otherwise, you would have known… But there you go,” he said. Meunier didn't specify whether it was United's head coach or another coach responsible, and didn't name the individual.
“That’s also the negative side of football," he added. "There’s a lot of money at stake. And even coaches work with agents specifically to place players and get paid. I have 45 examples like that. Now, I can’t prove them all, so I won’t name any names. But it’s something that, in my opinion, still happens far too frequently.”
United weren't the only side keen on Meunier during his time in Dortmund. Barcelona also explored a move, and the full-back opened up on that interest when speaking to the Belgian media in 2022.
"It could have been…Barcelona were looking for a reliable right-back, someone who is physically strong, complete, and can be dangerous on stagnant stages, for an acceptable price, given their financial situation," he said.
"I fit that profile, those different conditions. That’s what I have proven this season. But when Dortmund called me about the offer they had received from Barcelona, it immediately sounded like: 'Sorry, you can’t leave'."
Thomas Meunier playing for Lille
Meunier is now playing his club football for Lille
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Meunier, who left Paris Saint-Germain shortly before their 2020 Champions League final, also missed out on playing in the showpiece game for Dortmund. He joined Trabzonspor just months before Edin Terzic led the German club to the 2024 final, and left Turkey for Lille later that year.
He was part of the Lille side knocked out of Europe by Dortmund last season, playing in both legs of their Champions League round of 16 clash., having earlier featured in league phase matches against the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool.
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