Manchester United Transfer News: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Juventus Offer Rumours

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has reportedly been offered to Juventus, with his long-term future looking increasingly unlikely to be at Old Trafford. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Calciomercato.com), after securing the signing of Paul Pogba from the Italian side, United have sought to move the former Bayern Munich man their way in return. 

It had been reported by Fabrizio Romano of Calciomercato that the Bianconeri are seeking to secure the services of a new central midfielder following Pogba’s sale, with Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic their top target; Luiz Gustavo of Wolfsburg and Paris-Saint Germain’s Blaise Matuidi are also credited as options.

Schweinsteiger would be a fascinating player to see in Turin if a deal could be done. Indeed, it seems United boss Jose Mourinho isn’t a fan of the veteran; according to Steve Bates of the Sunday People, the 32-year-old has been training with the under-23 squad, although he won’t even play reserve-team football next season.

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It’ll be a huge disappointment for a footballer who was a popular figure at United in his debut term for the club. Indeed, while Schweinsteiger suffered with injuries, there was a confidence and class about the German every time he took to the field for United.

Sports journalist Liam Canning stated that he’d be disappointed to see the veteran midfielder moved on:

Even so, at Schweinsteiger’s age regular football is vital. And with Pogba joining United for a world-record fee, not to mention the likes of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellani and Morgan Schneiderlin already at the club, competition is going to be fierce in midfield at Old Trafford next term.

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The capture of Pogba epitomises how Mourinho wants his team to play; physical, dynamic and with plenty of energy. Schweinsteiger used to be that kind of footballer, but gradually so many years at the top level and so many injury problems have taken that edge from his game.

Nevertheless, Bleacher Report’s Clark Whitney believes the way in which the former Bayern Munich man has been treated by Mourinho is disrespectful:

The slower-paced and tactical type of football that’s played in Serie A may be a good fit for Schweinsteiger. He’s not a replacement for Pogba in terms of style, although for Juventus, who are seeking to build a side that’ll challenge for the UEFA Champions League, his know-how and experience would potentially be vital.

Schweinsteiger would find it difficult to get regular minutes with the likes of Miralem Pjanic, Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio available to manager Massimiliano Allegri, though.

For a player who’s missed too much football in recent seasons, having a key role to play in the starting XI must be a priority when pondering his next career move.