Louis van Gaal: 'Manchester United wanted Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller'

By Jonny Whitfield, Reporter | 28 February 2018

Van Gaal: 'United wanted Hummels, Muller'

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reveals that he was in talks to sign both Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller while at Old Trafford.

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he was in talks to sign both Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller while at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman, who made the switch to the North-West in 2014 after leaving his national side, spent two years with the Manchester club before being sacked.

Van Gaal told German news outlet Bild that he was scouting the Bayern Munich stars, but ultimately lost out as the club failed to reach agreements with the German outfit.

"I wanted to sign Hummels for Manchester United," the 66-year-old said. "But because at that time he was coming out of a poorer season, we didn't do it in the end.

"I can confirm that I wanted Muller. But there was nothing we could do. FC Bayern made it clear that they would not sell him.

"Manchester United, who I last coached, is a commercial club. Totally different to Bayern. The bosses, like Karl Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness, are former players who know what they are talking about. Football is the most important thing, not money like it is now at United. That's why I love Bayern."

Van Gaal won one FA Cup during his time with the Red Devils.