Should Bastian Schweinsteiger Leave Bayern Munich for Manchester United?

Lately, the German and English press has been abuzz over the possibility of Bastian Schweinsteiger leaving Bayern Munich for Manchester United. Many respected figures in Bayern history have weighed in on the matter, with differing views.

First, Roy Makaay said (via Daily Mail) that it "wouldn't surprise [him]" if Schweinsteiger moved to United, citing the good relationship the Germany international had with Louis van Gaal during the Dutchman's tenure at Bayern.

He added: "But I hope he stays at Bayern because he's still important for Bayern."

Lothar Matthaus then was quoted by SportBild (h/t Goal) as saying: "If Schweinsteiger gets an offer from a top European club, I would advise him to transfer in the summer," picking out United as a club he "should think about carefully" should there be a concrete offer.

Matthaus asserted that Pep Guardiola had showed his lack of trust in Schweinsteiger during the 2014-15 season, preferring Xabi Alonso in the role the native Bavarian preferred and relegating the vice-captain to a role requiring him to run more, which never was his strength. He claimed that "Had Thiago and Javi Martinez been fit last season, Schweinsteiger would not have played in important games anymore!"

On Thursday, Franz Beckenbauer and Ottmar Hitzfeld added their 10 cents via Bild (h/t Goal). The retired sweeper doubted a move to United would be advisable, stating: "Adapting to a different European league is difficult at his age."

"If I was at Schweini’s place, I would stay one or two years more at Bayern. Until then, he can still perform at the highest level," he added.

Hitzfeld was more neutral, stating: "It’s important he speaks with the coach. Of course, Bastian has to know if and how Guardiola plans to handle him."

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

So, should Schweinsteiger stay or should he go? This is a serious question that will seriously affect not only his career, but the direction of Bayern Munich and the success of the German national team at Euro 2016.

It has long been understood that Guardiola is not the biggest fan of Schweinsteiger's style. Graham Hunter, who wrote the coach's biography, told TalkSport radio last June that Guardiola found Schweinsteiger's slower style of moving the ball around wasn't quite fast enough for the trainer's liking.

Schweinsteiger of course went on to play almost every game when fit last season, but Matthaus has a point: Bayern faced an injury crisis, and Guardiola had little choice. And in any case, the role of deep-playing architect was not so much Schweinsteiger's role (as it had been previously) as it was that of Alonso.

In a sense, Schweinsteiger may have been fortunate that Thiago, Martinez and Philipp Lahm were injured for much of the season in that it allowed him to play, if not in his best role. Heading into next season, that stroke of luck may have to repeat itself if the soon-to-be-31-year-old is to be given serious playing time as a major part of the team. With this in mind, it would seem that United would be a good choice, especially under Van Gaal.

It was the Dutchman who saw Schweinsteiger's potential and converted him to a central midfield role, in which he made the change from overrated winger to world-class talent. And at the moment, United are short of real options to compete with Schweinsteiger. If he were to move to northwest England, the veteran wouldn't be just an extra.

At the same time, Beckenbauer makes a very good point that moving to the Premier League and its fast-paced style of play would be a challenge for Schweinsteiger, who in his advanced years is decreasingly mobile. Michael Ballack also moved to England at the age of 30 and struggled to adapt in his first season. He was often criticized for lacking energy, notably in this Daily Telegraph article by Alan Hansen.

Even more mobile players like Angel Di Maria have struggled upon moving to England, so it's foreseeable that even with all of the benefits that would come with playing under Van Gaal, Schweinsteiger could seriously struggle.

And yet, there remains the question: Would it really be any better for Schweinsteiger to ride the bench in Munich?

Hitzfeld hits the sweet spot in his analysis: Schweinsteiger needs to sit down and talk honestly with Guardiola about what the future might hold for him at Bayern. He can't afford to sit on the bench in one of his last years at the highest level. He needs playing time to build form and fitness as he prepares to captain his country at Euro 2016; it's his responsibility to bring himself to his very best level. And after his many years of dedicated service, Bayern owe him an honest response and the decency to let him go if he desires.

If things indeed look bleak for Schweinsteiger at Bayern, he just might have to take a risk and go to Manchester. It's a risk, but best to give himself a chance to succeed than remain a bit-part player. The coming weeks should be revelatory as to what Schweinsteiger's standing is at Bayern and whether he can stay at the Allianz Arena or will have to jump ship in order to best serve his country at Euro 2016.

@Mr_Bundesilga