Muller open to Bayern Munich exit after nearly joining Manchester United

Thomas Muller has revealed he came close to joining Manchester United two years ago and has refused to rule out leaving Bayern Munich in the future.

United were heavily linked with a move for Muller during Louis van Gaal’s time at the club in a move that would have reunited the Dutchman with the Bayern academy graduate.

While United were unsuccessful in prising Muller away from the Bavarian giants, Muller has hinted he could ply his trade elsewhere in the future.

“There was a stag when the subject arose two years ago [moving to United] when I considered it, but then the club immediately backed me and I was told I belong here,” Muller told Kicker, via ESPN.

“I didn’t have to think about it a great deal after Bayern said we are counting on you and that you are an important man for us.”

“Of course, it’s possible [to leave]. When my time is up, it’s up. [Bastian] Schweinsteiger was here for over 10 years and now he’s been gone for two years and another player is here instead.

“It will be exactly the same with me. If I drop dead tomorrow, there will be a funeral, yet on Friday, 11 players will still be out on the pitch. That’s life.

“At the moment, I don’t think it’s going to happen because I am very happy here. However, I’m not saying that somewhere different in the world definitely wouldn’t be my thing either.

“If life takes you somewhere else then I would make myself at home there as well. I would follow the same principles as here, enjoying as many good things as possible every day.”

Muller has endured a difficult time under Carlo Ancelotti and was momentarily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, while Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly lining up a January move for the 27-year-old.

However, despite struggling to establish himself as a first team regular, only Emil Forsberg (20) has registered more assists in the Bundesliga than Muller (13) since the start of last season.