Bayern Munich's rising star Mathys Tel has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United ahead of the transfer deadline, following an impressive run that saw him score 10 goals across all competitions despite limited starts last season.
The 19-year-old French forward announced his arrival in spectacular fashion at the start of the 2023-24 season, netting five goals in just 140 minutes as a substitute in Bundesliga and Champions League matches. This remarkable efficiency built upon his previous season's performance under Julian Nagelsmann, where he scored five league goals in 397 minutes.
Tel's versatility has been both a blessing and a curse under different managers. During Thomas Tuchel's tenure, he demonstrated his ability to play across the front line, often featuring alongside Harry Kane and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in fluid attacking formations. In a 2023 Bundesliga interview, Tel described his optimal position as "between a No 9 and a left-winger," effectively an inside forward role.
The young striker formed a particularly effective partnership with Alphonso Davies on Bayern's left flank. Their connection produced 88 passes during the Bundesliga season, making it Tel's most productive on-field relationship. This partnership bore fruit in August 2023 with a memorable goal against Werder Bremen.
Tel's playing style is characterized by his exceptional first touch and acceleration, making him particularly dangerous in transition. In the Bundesliga, he averaged a shot every 24 minutes - the sixth-highest rate among forwards with 900+ minutes - with an impressive 42 percent accuracy rate. His ability to create opportunities through both dribbling and intelligent off-ball movement was exemplified by his maiden Champions League goal against Manchester United, where he cleverly exploited space behind Casemiro.
However, Tel's game isn't without areas for improvement. His decision-making can sometimes be questionable, as demonstrated in matches against Mainz where he opted for shots despite better passing options being available. Yet, he's shown growth in this aspect, later displaying improved awareness in setting up Harry Kane for a goal against Bochum after initially attempting a shot himself.
The young forward's development has seen him become more confident in his passing, particularly with his weaker foot. He created 12 chances in the 2023-24 league season, with 10 of these coming in the second half of the campaign through various means including crosses, cutbacks, and through balls.
Currently facing reduced minutes under Vincent Kompany in the 2024-25 season - just 462 minutes across all competitions - Tel's situation has attracted attention from several clubs. Despite the challenges of adapting to Bayern Munich since his 2022 move from Rennes, Tel's potential as a versatile forward remains evident, making him an intriguing prospect for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options.
The Athletic's recent report of Manchester United's interest in Tel before Monday's transfer deadline adds another chapter to this promising talent's story, suggesting his journey at Bayern Munich might take an unexpected turn.
