Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Bastian Schweinsteiger Would Be Epic Signing

Hey, did you hear the one about how Manchester United is pursuing Cesc Fabregas? And did you hear about how they've already had two transfer bids denied but keep on coming back for more?

Oh, you did? Multiple times? You're really, really sick of it and just want the Red Devils to pursue a new target?

Yeah, me too. 

But good news, friends—it appears the club indeed has targeted a new player in Fabregas' wake, and it's none other than Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger.

From Simon Mullock of the Mirror:

"

Manchester United will set their sights on Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger—if a third bid for Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas fails this week.

The Premier League ­champions have become aware of whispers in Germany that Schweinsteiger may not fit into Pep Guardiola’s new Bavarian blueprint.

And with United ­looking for top-class midfield alternatives should a final ­attempt to prise Fabregas away from the Nou Camp be unsuccessful, the 29-year-old German would fit the bill perfectly.

"

No, Schweinsteiger isn't as technically proficient as Fabregas and doesn't offer the same scoring touch as the Spanish midfielder. But he is a better all-around player and really would be a perfect fit for the Red Devils. 

Sure, the fact that he's 29 may detract from the value of this signing for some (though Robin van Persie turned 29 last summer, and nobody is regretting that addition—well, except for Arsenal fans). But Schweinsteiger was one of Bayern Munich's most important players last year, remains one of Germany's most important players, and is a natural leader and proven winner. 

Which makes it hard to believe Bayern Munich would let him go. 

Schweinsteiger made 45 appearances for the Bavarians last season, scoring nine goals and adding nine assists. WhoScored.com gave him a 7.62 average match rating for Bundesliga and Champions League play, and his 7.6 mark in the Bundesliga was the 11th highest in the league.

Yes, the Bavarians basically have an entire starting 11 of quality midfielders, and new additions Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara are sure to carve out a spot on the team. But would Bayern Munich really sell their vice-skipper?

It's hard to believe. 

Still, United haven't exactly been dissuaded in their pursuit of another player who seems key to his team's success in Fabregas, so I don't imagine they'll be dissuaded by Schweinsteiger's important role for Bayern Munich. 

The Red Devils will be too tempted by his box-to-box skill set. They'll be too taken by his complete game, both capable of cleaning up defensively and facilitating the attack forward. They'll appreciate his leadership and poise. 

Schweinsteiger has the feel of a Manchester United player, and he really would be an ideal fit for the team's midfield scheme. He would be an amazing consolation prize if United failed to land Fabregas, and if there is any chance Bayern Munich would sell, the Red Devils must pounce immediately.

But like Fabregas, the pursuit of Schweinsteiger is likely to be a fruitless affair. Still, he would be an epic addition. 

And a new transfer target to endlessly speculate about. We'd all like that, right?

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets never have to spend all summer chasing one transfer target.