Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has urged his former club not to sell Manchester United target Leon Goretzka.

The midfielder has dropped behind new signing Konrad Laimer in the pecking order but Matthaus feels that the German, who has been capped 53 times for his country, has not been allowed to play in his best position in recent seasons:

“Leon Goretzka said last week that he wants to stay at Bayern. For me, there should never have been a discussion about him. He was a key player in the club’s biggest successes but he needs to be used in his [natural] position.”

“Goretzka played very well in his position at Bayern for a long time. A lot of things haven’t been right at Bayern in recent years, and that’s also why we haven’t seen what we saw before from Goretzka. It’s important he gets the chance to bring his qualities to the pitch.”

United remain interested in signing Goretzka

Earlier this week, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg confirmed that the midfielder is still on the radar of the Red Devils:

ManUtd never lost their focus on Leon #Goretzka! Understand the 28 y/o is still on the list of the club. #MUFC

➡️ Goretzka wanted to stay 100 % – but the last ten days have clearly shown that he won’t be a starter under Tuchel for now. Tuchel is planning with Kimmich/Laimer and… pic.twitter.com/KeJh7GdYR0

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 2, 2023

Plettenberg mentions that West Ham are watching Goreztka‘s situation too but, if he does decide to leave the Allianz Arena, you would think that the 28-year-old would prefer a move to Manchester.

Goreztka’s future could be decided soon

Bayern’s first Bundesliga game is against Werder Bremen on August 18th, just under two weeks away. The German champions then play Augsburg nine days later.

If manager Thomas Tuchel decides not to start Goreztka in either match, the player may feel that the writing is on the wall. A transfer on deadline day is a possibility.