Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction

Bastian Schweinsteiger has completed his move to Manchester United from Bayern Munich on a three-year deal.

The Old Trafford club confirmed the news on their official Twitter timeline on July 13:

Schweinsteiger told the official Manchester United website:

"

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bayern Munich, it has been an incredible journey and I didn’t take the decision to leave lightly.

Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for. I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again.

"

United manager Van Gaal added:

"

Bastian is, of course, no stranger to me. I worked with him during my time at Bayern Munich and I am truly delighted he is joining Manchester United.

His record speaks for itself; he has won every honour at club level and was a major part of the successful Germany World Cup-winning team last summer. 

Bastian is the ultimate professional and there is no doubting his talent and his ability to control games. He brings a wealth of experience and is an excellent addition to our squad.

"

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Bayern's official Twitter Schweinsteiger is seeking "something new" and had requested to leave the Bundesliga champions:

Schweinsteiger had one year remaining on his contract with Bayern, where he saw his opportunities restricted last season—partly as a result of the arrival of Xabi Alonso from Real Madrid.

Despite making just 21 starts in all competitions for the Bundesliga champions, the midfielder scored five goals and recorded eight assists, per WhoScored.com.

As illustrated by Squawka Dave and WhoScored.com, Schweinsteiger's key strengths include his unrelenting ability to chase down opponents in midfield and his phenomenal ability to maintain possession for his side:

The Germany international will turn 31 in August but nevertheless makes an excellent signing, working alongside the likes of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Angel Di Maria.

Daniel Storey of Football365 emphasised Bayern's stance on the deal, asserting they feel they've squeezed the most they can out of the star, who joined the club in 1998:

Schweinsteiger is of a higher class than United's current options in central midfield. The 30-year-old is much more dynamic than Carrick, as well as far more experienced than the likes of Herrera.

Though not quite in the same mould, the German will be the closest United have come to replacing Paul Scholes in terms of quality in the centre of midfield.

Schweinsteiger had been with Bayern his entire career prior to the move, but his outstanding work rate, technical ability and sheer class should allow him to adapt to his new surroundings with ease.

In him, Manchester United have acquired one of the truly elite players in world football and will undoubtedly benefit greatly from his presence in the side next season.