Manchester United chose not to sign a new defender this summer but it appears that a former Bundesliga star would have accepted a move to Old Trafford had he been approached
Thomas Meunier
Thomas Meunier penned a deal with Sunderland this summer(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Sunderland star Thomas Meunier claims he would jump at the chance to sign for Manchester United - but is happy at the Stadium of Light. The Belgian defender joined the Black Cats on a free transfer this summer following his exit from Lille.
A boyhood United fan, Meunier has said that he would have done anything to join the Red Devils, albeit is very happy with the choice he made.
Speaking to Walfoot, the 34-year-old said: “You don’t always get to choose exactly where you want to go. Otherwise, I’d have gone to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester United! But seriously, they [Sunderland] called me and were incredibly convincing.
“Their pitch was good. The conversation with the manager was, too: you spend an hour on the phone talking football, and you realize you’re dealing with a guy who simply loves the game—just like I do.
Get YOUR Mirror Football Newsletter
Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.
To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:
“And the fact that it was Sunderland… It just so happens there’s that documentary – Sunderland ‘til I Die – which I really enjoyed.”
On his affection for the Red Devils, the former Dortmund star added: “If they ever ask me, I’ll cycle there. (laughs). But maybe it’s better this way. Suppose I play there and have a bad time. I wouldn’t want to hate Manchester United, because I love that club so much.
“I went to watch them a few weeks ago, against Bilbao. In with the fans, singing, à fond (fully). Je suis un vrai. (I am a real one). I go to watch them at least once every season.
“But of all the home games I’ve seen in all those years, they’ve only won two. You have to have a self cruelty side to be a United supporter, right?”
Thomas Meunier
Thomas Meunier is a boyhood Man United fan(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Ironically, Meunier seemingly had the chance to sign for his boyhood club in the past, only to pass up on the chance due to an unspecified coach encouraging him to sign a deal with his agent first.
Speaking last year, he said: "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. I refused, and I didn’t sign. Otherwise, you would have known… But there you go.”
“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.”
Join our WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image