In an interview with Get French Football News, Manchester United new boy Morgan Schneiderlin spoke candidly about his ambitions for the near future.
It’s no surprise, that Morgan Schneiderlin has fitted exactly into Louis van Gaal’s plans. Despite scoring only once in three games, Manchester United’s greatest attribute so far has been their defence. Morgan Schneiderlin has been an integral part of keeping it that way.
In his interview, the former Southampton captain, reflected on his summer move to the Premier League giants as well as his ambitions for EURO 2016
“Everything that I have been through during my career explains why I am here today”
The Frenchman has undergone a tougher path to the top than most would think. After Strasbourg were relegated from Ligue Un in 2007, Schneiderlin signed for former Premier League regulars Southampton F.C., who were then part of the Third Division in England. Schneiderlin’s rise as a player was representative of his club’s rise through England’s ranks, culminating in Southampton’s promotion back the the Premier League in 2012.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the Frenchman began to get more disciplined and formed a solid partnership with Victor Wanyama at the hearts of the Saints’ midfield. A year later, he was made club captain under Ronald Koeman, where his influence as a player and a leader brought Southmapton into European competition.
Looking back on his achievements, Schneiderlin remembered an old promise made to his father. He said: a I remember, four years ago, whilst I was playing in the English 3rd division, I told my father in our family living room: in 2014, I will be in Brazil for the World Cup.a
Four years from that promise, Morgan acheived what he set out to do, starting for Didier Deschamp’s France side in the World Cup in Brazil
Schneiderlin was taken aback by the sheer volume of Manchester United’s support, commenting that “To play here, it is not just about being a professional footballer. There is another dimension.” The Frenchman was not used to the extra responsibilities that came with being a Manchester United player. The sponsors that bring in astronomical sums of money for the club, the kind of sums that bought Schneiderlin, are a part of the club, which the Frenchman is now a part of.
A keen admirer of the club, the Frenchman reminisced on his first foray with United.
“When I arrive in a stadium, I do not have a walk on the pitch before warming up. The first time that I came here was with Southampton in 2012/13. When I came out of the tunnel, I discovered such an impressive stadium, so big that I was forced to look into the stands.”
With regards to the manager, Schneiderlin referred to van Gaal as ‘super strict’. When asked about his first interaction with the Dutchman however, the Frenchman talked about how van Gaal had a clear vision for the club, citing “that his desire to always improve, to work hard” made him a respectable figure.
Schneiderlin has felt valued from the moment go, and his continuous starts attest to this. “Player management is exceptional” explained the Frenchman, “Many people are looking after us. We always have someone available to us, 24 hours a day.”
Following injuries to Cl ment Grenier and Franck Rib ry, French manager Didier Deschamps called up Morgan Schneiderlin to France’s first team, with the former Southampton man making his bow against Jamaica.
He managed to fulfil his dream by playing the full 90 minutes in France’s final group stage game against Ecuador, a 0-0 draw.
“Of course, for all things concerning the French national team, the dream, is to win the next thing, I close my eyes, the first thing, is the Euros. But now, when I close my eyes, the first thing that I want, is to see my name on the squad list for the Euros. And, then, to win it.” commented the Frenchman when asked about his dreams for the National team.
While playing for Manchester United, in the Champions League may be the pinnacle for many, the dream of representing the National team is one that burns brightest for the 25 year old.
Stacked with talent in the midfield, Schneiderlin will has his work cut out for him as he tries to make the starting 11 of Les Blues. If his performances for Manchester United are anything to go by, he might be there sooner than he thinks.
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Morgan Schneiderlin has been on a stead, upward trajectory for the past six years. Now, he seems to be arriving at the big league, making his presence felt larger than ever before. The Frenchman seems to be the final piece of Manchester United’s midfield puzzle. A player of his strength, calibre and willingness to learn will certainly bode well under the guidance of a task master like Louis van Gaal.
Time will tell just how high Schneiderlin’s star will rise. If his past is any indication, the Frenchman still has a lot to offer.