Borussia Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji has said he would like to play for Manchester United in the future, despite signing for the German club in January.
The 23-year-old, who was linked with the Red Devils in the January transfer window, has left open the possibility of a future switch to Old Trafford after his recent admission.
Akanji moved to Dortmund for a reported £19m and thus far the defender has impressed in the Bundesliga.
He told Bluewin, via Goal: “Many know that Manchester United has been my favourite club since childhood. It would be nice to play there, but that’s not an issue right now.
“I am very satisfied in Dortmund. I want to win titles with BVB and compete in many more big tournaments with the Swiss national team.”
Akanji’s comments come after a summer to forget for Man United’s management and boardroom structure, in which Jose Mourinho chased after an elite centre-back but ultimately missed out, with the hierarchy reticent to heavily back the manager after multiple high-cost centre-back transfer misses.
The lack of recruitment has led Mourinho, out of necessity or to send a message, to field players out of position.
Yet the Swiss is locked in a four-and-a-half year contract, meaning Mourinho will likely have to look at other defensive players.
“I always want to go higher, as far as possible,” Akanji continued.
“But planning the future is difficult. You never know what will happen.
“The most important thing is to stay healthy. The short-term goal for the club is to consolidate in the Champions League and to continue playing well in the Bundesliga.
“There will be setbacks along the way. Life does not always go upwards, but also downwards, not just in football. I will try to be a good person on and off the field.”
Who is Manuel Akanji?
Proficient with both feet and able to play in a number of roles at the back, Akanji has often switched between central defence and left-back since moving to the Westfalenstadion. He is, in a sense, the complete defender.
The Swiss star joined Dortmund in January from Basel; he ultimately made 10 appearances for BVB before being selected for the Switzerland squad at the World Cup during the summer. The Wiesendangen-born defender subsequently started in every match.
Switzerland progressed through Group E, though they lost 1-0 to Sweden in the Round of 16.
Speaking to the BBC on their coverage of the World Cup, Phil Neville said of Akenji: “I think this boy could be absolutely special. A modern-day defender.”
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