Under INEOS’s leadership, Manchester United now prefer to chase players who prioritise moving to Old Trafford over any other club.
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all pushed to join the Red Devils. The same occurred this summer with Carlos Baleba. According to ESPN, United chose not to sign Mateus Fernandes, in part, because he never indicated during talks that his preference was to move to Old Trafford.
Interestingly, there is one player who has been speaking about his desire to play for the Mancunians since he was at the peak of his powers at Paris Saint-Germain.
Thomas Meunier would jump at the chance to sign for Manchester United
Thomas Meunier, who is a boyhood Manchester United fan, joined Sunderland on a free transfer this summer after leaving Ligue 1 side Lille.
The 34-year-old Belgian right-back has had spells in Belgium, France, Germany and Turkey, and has finally secured a move to the Premier League. However, he is not at his dream club.
Speaking in an interview with Play Sports (via Sport Witness), Meunier reflected on his decision to join Sunderland this summer. “You don’t always get to choose exactly where you want to go,” he said.
“Otherwise, I’d have gone to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester United! But seriously, they 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.
“And the fact that it was Sunderland… It just so happens there’s that documentary – Sunderland ‘til I Die – which I really enjoyed.”
It’s not the first time Meunier has expressed his desire to join United, having previously claimed he would “cycle there” if he received a call.
“If they ever ask me, I’ll cycle there. (laughs),” he claimed. “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.”
Manchester United did not consider signing right-back in the summer
United were in the market for a full-back, but their priority was to strengthen the left flank.
On the right side, Michael Carrick has Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui at his disposal. Mazraoui delivered an adventurous, for lack of a better word, performance in United’s 4-0 win over Sabah FK in the Champions League on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Patrick Dorgu, who is seen as a winger, was deployed at left-back as Carrick decided to rest Luke Shaw, his only senior left-back option this season.
Featured image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images
