Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reveals Manchester United made 'mad' bid for Thomas Muller

Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed Manchester United made a "mad" offer for Thomas Muller last summer. The World Cup-winning forward was a transfer target for former United boss Louis van Gaal, but even an eye-watering offer could not prise him away from the Allianz Arena.

Rummenigge claimed United offered a world record fee for Muller, who has spent his entire professional career with Bayern. However, he insisted the Bavarian club never had any intention of selling their legendary forward.

"When we had a mad offer from Manchester United last year we could have made history by receiving a world record transfer fee," he told WAZ of United's interest in Muller. "But we wanted to close the door. All players whose contracts we extended would have been in great demand abroad."

Rummenigge said it was important to make clear to cash-rich clubs like United that Bayern would not be bullied into selling their best players, regardless of the transfer fee they were offered. "We wanted to demonstrate that Bayern Munich is one of the most important clubs in the world," he said, reflecting on United's bid for Muller.

He did, however, admit that the financial might of Premier League clubs is having an impact further afield, too. "We cannot hide from the fact the money on offer in England drives up the salaries for players in Germany," Rummenigge explained.