Germany defender spoke to Mourinho on phone

Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng, who was a target of Premier League giants Manchester United this past summer, has opened up about his failed move to the club. Boateng revealed that he decided to reject a switch to the Red Devils despite being ‘honoured’ by the interest shown in him, and personally phoned United manager Jose Mourinho to inform him of his decision to stay in Germany.

Boateng, along with the likes of Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina and Toby Alderweireld, was heavily linked with a move to United as Mourinho looked to strengthen his backline in the summer. However, the German defender, after receiving assurances from new Bayern boss Niko Kovac regarding his future, opted to stay at the club.

While speaking to Bild, the 30-year-old threw light on the entire transfer saga involving him, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. “I had enquiries from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, and I considered them,' he said.

'Not because I wanted to leave Bayern Munich by all means. It was no escape, but rather the thrill of a new challenge. Niko Kovac gave me the feeling that I am very important for him and the club,” Boateng added.

“I phoned Jose Mourinho and told him that his interest honoured me and thanked him. I explained to him my reasons for not joining.'

After falling short in his pursuit of Boateng, Mourinho then attempted to lure Diego Godin and other star names to the club, but failed to do so, leaving United’s defense in mess.

Boateng, on the other hand, has put a disappointing World Cup showing behind him, and has featured for Bayern in their opening two games of the Bundesliga season, putting in decent shifts alongside Mats Hummels. With the backing of Kovac, he will look to regain some of the form that made him arguably one of the top defenders in Europe a couple of seasons ago.