Lille right-back Thomas Meunier has previously been linked with Manchester United, but a move never materialised.
The Belgian right-back first rose to prominence with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He was also a vital member of the national team that finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Meunier left the Parisians in 2020 to join Borussia Dortmund. After spending four seasons in the Bundesliga, the 34 year old made a surprise move to Trabzonspor at the start of last year, before joining Lille that summer.
It was during his time in Germany that the Belgian came close to a move to the Theatre of Dreams.
United wanted Meunier in 2022
United were looking for an upgrade on Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2022, and Meunier was reportedly identified as an option. However, the Belgian ended up staying with the German giants.
The Congo DR international, meanwhile, spent two more seasons at Old Trafford before completing a move to West Ham United in the summer of 2024.
The Red Devils, however, are yet to sign a replacement for Wan-Bissaka. Amad Diallo has been operating as a right wing-back since Ruben Amorim’s arrival, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are also options for the role.
Meunier has now confirmed that he could have been plying his trade at the Theatre of Dreams had circumstances been slightly different.
Agent issues complicated deal
Speaking to Belgian outlet RTBF, Meunier revealed that his move to United fell through as he did not have an agent at the time. He said: “A little anecdote. 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. 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.”
Earlier this year, Meunier also professed his love for United, insisting that he would “cycle there” if they called him.
While that ship has sailed, United could be tempted to strengthen the right wing-back position in 2026 by bringing in a specialist for the role.
Featured image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
