Emre Can has said he would "never play" for Manchester United at any point in his career due to his loyalty to rivals Liverpool.

Can, 27, was linked with a switch to United in January after dropping down the pecking order at Juventus earlier this season.

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The former Liverpool player was desperate for playing time ahead of Euro 2020 and snubbed a return to the Premier League and signed for Borussia Dortmund, where he has revived his career.

"I would never play for United because of my time at Liverpool," Can told Sport Bild. "My heart would not allow it. The rivalry between those clubs is huge."

Can did recognise that United are a big club when discussing recent comparisons between them and Bayern Munich in English media ahead of the restart of Bundesliga amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"Both are record champions and have big fascination," he added. "Moreover, big names like Owen Hargreaves and Bastian Schweinsteiger played for both clubs."

With eight matches of the league season remaining, Dortmund are hopeful that Can will return for their title clash against Bayern next Tuesday

Can's teammate Jadon Sancho has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer but the Germany international said he did not know whether that would be the best step for the winger.

"I see no reason to put United above Dortmund," Can said. "Not from a sporting side and not because of appeal."