Thomas Muller has spoken of his special relationship with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, adding weight to speculation he could move to Old Trafford this summer.

The World Cup winner has been linked with a move to United for some time, with Van Gaal known to be an admirer of the Bayern Munich attacker. It was the Dutch coach who gave Muller his Bayern Munich debut.

It's believed that Manchester United tried to sign the forward last summer only to see the player sign a new four-year deal at the Allianz Arena.

Yet despite the Germany international so recently committing his future to Bayern Munich, speculation has begun to mount again over a possible exit, particularly in the aftermath of the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Barcelona in which Muller was unable to disguise his frustration at being substituted by Pep Guardiola.

Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Show all 24 1 /24 Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni - 5/10 So often a reliable figure, the Argentine was at fault for United's winner. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Joel Ward - 5 Failed to deal with the trickery and pace of a confident Young. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Damien Delaney - 6 Put his body on the line to block numerous United efforts, only to be eventually taken out by his own goalkeeper. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Scott Dann - 6 Penalised for handball in one area, he nearly made amends in the other with a clever pass to Murray. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Pape Souare - 5 Another frustrating Selhurst Park performance from the left-back. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Mile Jedinak - 6 The Australian made an influential return to the side in the first half, but tired in the second before his substitution. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Joe Ledley - 5 Sacrificed at the break after an opening period chasing shadows. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings James McArthur - 6 Playing further forward, he lacked composure when presented with good opportunities. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Wilfried Zaha -6 Eager to impress against his former club, he did well but often attempted to overplay. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Yannick Bolasie - 5 Always a threat with the ball at his feet, his final ball continues to disappoint. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Glenn Murray - 7 Never stopped working for his team, he was only denied a place on the scoresheet by the brilliance of De Gea. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Best off the bench: Jason Puncheon - 7 Immediately turned the game in Palace's favour following his introduction at the start of the second half. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Manchester United: David De Gea - 8 His two second half saves to deny Murray alone deserved three points. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Antonio Valencia - 5 Pegged back by the pace of Zaha, he contributed little in an attacking sense. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Phil Jones - 7 Moved to left-back following Shaw's injury and adapted well. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Chris Smalling - 6 Stood up for the most part in his dual with Murray. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Luke Shaw - 5 The left-back suffered further injury problems after a quiet opening half hour and left the field on a stretcher. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Daley Blind - 6 Bright moving forward, his careless part in United's defensive wall was nearly costly. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Ander Herrera - 6 Continues to show a touch of class in the United midfield. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Marouane Fellaini - 7 The physical Belgian eventually made his presence count when heading United's late winner. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Ashley Young - 8 Spurred on by the boos of the home fans, the winger gave Ward a torrid evening and was at the heart of both his team's goals. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Juan Mata - 6 Stay composed to score from the spot, but failed to influence in the manner he can. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Wayne Rooney - 5 Struggled with his fitness during the first half and was replaced at the break. Getty Images Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2 player ratings Best off the bench: Radamel Falcao - 6 Posed little threat as a goalscorer, but impressed when creating. Getty Images

Those rumours will only increase following his latest comments.

“It’s a secret for nobody,” the 25-year-old said.

“Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes beyond that which is normal between a player and a coach.