Manchester United-linked Mathys Tel was granted a rare start for Bayern Munich in their final Champions League group phase game last night.
It was the first time this season that the youngster had been given the nod in Europe from Vincent Kompany, making it pretty clear why he ‘wants to leave’, which was confirmed by club director Max Eberl post-match.
When substituted around the 62nd-minute mark, Tel applauded and waved to the Bayern faithful before doing so again upon the full-time whistle, prompting supporters to believe he’d just overseen his final appearance for the Bundesliga giants.
🚨👀 Mathys #Tel stops once more in front of the south stand. Waves and talks to the fans.
His last appearance for FC Bayern? On Saturday, Bayern will face Holstein Kiel at the Allianz Arena. Tel wants to leave Bayern with immediate effect. @kerry_hau 🇫🇷pic.twitter.com/ZobGLepDvQ
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 29, 2025
It came hours after journalist Paul O Keefe claimed the forward wanted to sign for United, having garnered interest from the Red Devils, as well as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Why Tel is favouring an Old Trafford switch

Tel, 19, is adamant about playing a more prominent role away from the Allianz Arena and, as such, is uninterested in a move to Chelsea, where he’d be just another name in Enzo Maresca’s lengthy list of attacking options.
He made history for Bayern by becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he opened his account at just 17 years and 126 days old. He made his full league debut shortly after, during which he notched his maiden Bundesliga goal.
Yet, Kompany has continued to use Tel, who represents France at U21 level, sparingly. He has featured from the off only twice in the league and has been an unused substitute nine times.
It’s unlikely United would be able to sanction his arrival permanently, especially after sealing the permanent transfer of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, so a loan for the remainder of the term may prove to be the most suitable option for all parties.