Bundesliga star ‘understands’ why dream exit failed, but admits Man Utd have better chance

Borussia Dortmund full-back Thomas Meunier has admitted that Manchester United may have a better chance of signing him this summer, after Barcelona’s struggles.

The right-back initially made his name at Club Brugge in his native Belgium. But, he then made the move to Paris Saint-Germain and spent four years in the French capital.

From there, he made the switch to Germany and has also impressed with Dortmund.

Still, Meunier had strong links with Man Utd and Tottenham in the summer 2020 transfer window. However, he ultimately opted for the Bundesliga.

Nevertheless, speculation over his next move has not settled since the latest switch of his career. Last summer, Barcelona came calling for a new right-back late on in the 2021 summer market.

And while the La Liga side failed to get a deal over the line, Meunier has left the door open to a Premier League move this summer.

The 30-year-old told Het Laatste Nieuws: “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.

“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’.”

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“Imagine… Dortmund are already a big club, but Barca… That is unique. Just like Real [Madrid], Bayern [Munich] and United are in their way.

“In principle you don’t say ‘no’ to such clubs. Mentally it was not easy. But I understand Dortmund, it was barely a week before the end of the window.”

Barcelona chased Meunier while Ronald Koeman was in charge last summer. More recently, though, Koeman’s successor Xavi has been linked with a move for Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui.

Meunier said of the Barcelona interest: “Barcelona, that’s a train that only passes once in a lifetime. I was also surprised when Jordi Cruyff called me.

“He explained the plan. Barca wanted to either loan me without a mandatory purchase option or immediately take me over permanently.”

Meunier and Man Utd right-back situation

Meunier has played 59 times for Dortmund amid a spell on the bench last season and injury problems this season.

Nevertheless, he has contributed two goals and four assists this term, with Dortmund still in the Bundesliga title race.

Meunier left PSG for Dortmund on a free transfer after seeing his contract in Paris expire.

Back at Old Trafford, meanwhile, Man Utd had Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressing at right-back at the same time.

Now, though, the 24-year-old’s position is under threat and Diogo Dalot has provided solid competition.

United are reportedly after new signings for their spine this summer, amid the search for a new manager.

However, they could yet consider a new right-back amid the battle between Wan-Bissaka and Dalot.