Manchester United Transfer News: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Gelson Martins Rumours

Manchester United are still reportedly looking to offload Bastian Schweinsteiger in the January transfer window, despite his return to the first-team squad.

Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News reported that the 32-year-old is likely to move to the United States and join a Major League Soccer side.

As noted in the piece, manager Jose Mourinho had previously marginalised the Germany and Bayern Munich legend, making him train in isolation. However, he trained alongside the first team on Monday as Bayern prepared for the clash with Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

Sports journalist Liam Canning was delighted to see the veteran back with the senior squad and thinks United could still use him:

Schweinsteiger has been dogged by injury issues since he signed for United in the summer of 2015 and didn’t show his best during his debut term at Old Trafford. However, there were glimpses of what he could offer, as the German used his intelligence, passing range and tenacity to great effect.

James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images

Mourinho has struggled to find a balance in midfield, too. Paul Pogba is still searching for a more defined role following his record-breaking summer transfer, while Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini have been inconsistent. Subsequently, someone like Schweinsteiger could potentially make a positive impact.

Former Germany international Michael Ballack suggested on social media that Schweinsteiger should be more involved:

Schweinsteiger was not included in United’s squad for the UEFA Europa League, so he won’t play a part against Fenerbahce. However, with Herrera set to serve a suspension following his red card against Burnley, perhaps Mourinho will call upon him in midfield in the Premier League.

Even if Schweinsteiger were to get some minutes between now and the winter window, plenty of bridges seem to have been burned between him and the manager. Should a lucrative new challenge reveal itself in January, he will surely grasp it.

Serious Gelson Martins Interest Reported

Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

According to A Bola (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), Manchester United have compiled 10 reports on Sporting CP winger Gelson Martins.

It’s noted in the piece that the Red Devils were the only side to have a scout at the Lisbon outfit's clash with Nacional on Friday and that United were there to run the rule over the 21-year-old winger specifically after his wonderful start to the 2016-17 season.

Martins has already netted two goals and secured seven assists. Here is a look at why he’s said to be attracting attention from some elite clubs:

It’s reported that Martins has a €60 million (£54 million) release clause in his current contract, meaning he wouldn’t be a cheap acquisition for the Red Devils.

However, the winger possesses extraordinary potential. Martins has rapid acceleration and blisteringly quick feet and is versatile in where he can operate in the final third. Additionally, United have enjoyed success signing wingers from Sporting before, with Nani and particularly Cristiano Ronaldo enjoying prosperous spells at Old Trafford.

Sports journalist Jan Hagen has been impressed not only by Martins’ stats but also by his showings against quality opposition:

In Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Pogba, Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly, United have a crop of extremely exciting young players; Martins would be another in that bracket. 

While he may potentially be a pricey purchase, the Red Devils have shown in their acquisitions of Martial and Pogba that they’re willing to spend big to secure the brightest young stars in the game. So if Martins has impressed the club's representatives, it'd be no surprise to see United go all out for his signature.