Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Bastian Schweinsteiger, Top Rumours
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has spoken out about former team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger's spell at Manchester United and has called the former Germany captain one of the best midfielders in the world.
According to Ben Spratt of Goal, Neuer proclaimed he is confused by the player's treatment at Old Trafford as he begins his second season at the Theatre of Dreams.
"It's very bitter and sad," he told reporters. "We know how important Bastian was for all his teams, no matter if it was Bayern or the national team. For me he was one of the best midfielders in the world and still is. So it's sad that the football world can't see him right now."
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Schweinsteiger returned to Manchester after Euro 2016 to find Jose Mourinho in charge, as former Bayern manager Louis van Gaal was shown the door. The Dutchman's exit has seen the World Cup winner plummet down the pecking order as the self-proclaimed Special One purchased world stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba.
The player responded to rumours of a swift exit on Wednesday, taking to Twitter to clear up his immediate intentions. The German told United fans he is ready to play and will not move to another European club before his retirement:
Schweinsteiger has not ruled out a move to clubs away from European shores, opening up potential moves to China or the United States.
Both countries would be happy to see the decorated talent join their ranks in the twilight of his playing career.
The midfield general was brought to United to add weight to Van Gaal's possession style, but injuries prevented the German achieving an extended run in the side.
The 32-year-old appeared in only 18 Premier League games last season, according to WhoScored.com, starting just 13 times.
It is a record that clearly worries Mourinho, and despite his obvious talent and experience, the player is unreliable at best.
In other news, Phil Jones appears set to remain at United after doubts about his future were quashed.
According to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson, Jones remains part of Mourinho's plans, despite interest from Stoke City. United are said to have "rejected several inquiries this summer" for the England international.
Football writer Liam Canning believes it is time for Jones to depart the north-west superclub:
Schweinsteiger appeared a shrewd purchase when United took him from Bayern, but the player's lack of availability has seen him become the forgotten man of Old Trafford.
Mourinho is quickly turning the club into his own domain, and there will be no room for dead wood amongst his playing staff.
The midfielder's injury record suggests his time in Europe's elite leagues is over, and MLS might prove to be the perfect environment for him as he searches for game time and the chance to find a new club.
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