Bayern Munich are just like Man Utd! Bundesliga champions' lack of 'leadership' damaging transfer hopes as ex-coach says Red Devils only team that can compare

The former Bayern head coach delivered a stinging assessment of the Bundesliga champions’ current state of affairs, arguing that the club are suffering from a lack of clarity at the top. Magath, who guided Bayern to consecutive league titles in 2005 and 2006, believes uncertainty over leadership roles is damaging their ability to compete in the transfer market.

The 72-year-old drew a striking comparison with United, pointing out that, just like the Premier League giants, Bayern lack the strong, central figure who once defined their eras, Sir Alex Ferguson at United and Uli Hoeness in Munich. With new CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen, sporting director Christoph Freund, and sporting boss Max Eberl sharing responsibilities, Magath questioned whether too many voices are clouding decisions behind the scenes.

Magathin an interview with Abendzeitung drew parallel to the long-running turmoil at United, saying: "Apart from Manchester United, there is no other club in a comparable situation to FC Bayern. We know how difficult Man United still is; this has been going on for many years. For a long time, they had a man like Ferguson who dictated everything. At Bayern, it was Uli Hoeness who now has to let go.

"There's no clarity regarding the club's leadership. Who has what responsibilities? Who has what authority? FC Bayern apparently hasn't found the right leadership yet. That needs to be addressed."

Asked how the issue could affect their transfer pursuits, he added: "Because this impression has also become entrenched in the public eye, I do believe that the strength that FC Bayern has always exuded is no longer perceived in the same way internationally. This may well have consequences. It's not just the players who make the decisions, but also their advisors. It may well be that FC Bayern no longer enjoys the same international recognition as it did a few years ago."

While Bayern made the high-profile signing of Luis Diaz from Liverpool after landing centre-back Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, the German giants have been left disappointed during the summer transfer window. They initially expected to bring in Florian Wirtz, only to see him head to Anfield, and targeted Nico Williams, who ended up signing a new contract at Athletic Bilbao. They have also been rebuffed in their public pursuit of Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade.

Despite their transfer struggles, Bayern remain favourites to kick off their Bundesliga defence in style. Vincent Kompany’s side open against RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, a fixture that has produced classics in recent years, from a 5-1 thrashing to wild 5-4 and 5-3 scorelines.