Former Bayern Munich midfielder Lothar Matthaus has insisted that Bastian Schweinsteiger should consider a move to Manchester United if the opportunity arises.
Schweinsteigera s current contract with the German champions expires in 2016 and the German international future at the club has come under a lot of speculation this summer. The 30-year-old, who has been at the club since 1998, is no longer a regular in the starting line-up under Bayern manager Pep Guardiola.
Bastian Schweinsteiger has made only 15 starts in the Bundesliga last season as his fitness concerns and the arrival of Xavi Alonso has raised question marks over his place in the squad. Guardiola has preferred Alonso in the deep-lying role, that Schweinsteiger fancies, in most of the big matches since his arrival. Now with his contract up for renewal, the German international could possibly look for a move elsewhere in order to start regularly.
After Roy Makaay, who insisted that a move to Manchester United for midfield maestro wona t come as a surprise, another former player, Lothar Matthaus has voiced his approval on a transfer to Old Trafford.
Matthaus believes that at his age it will be hard for Schweinsteiger to change his game to suit Guardiolaa s system; instead he needs a coach who believes in his abilities and will build a system around him.
“He [Guardiola] played Alonso there in the most important matches and Schweinsteiger had to step into another role that does not suit him.
“Schweinsteiger has never been the fastest player in the world and, as he turns 31 soon, that will not improve in the future, but he is certainly intelligent enough and has the necessary vision to be the central link between defence and offensive midfield.
“Bastian announced that he wants to play football on the highest level until 2018. But in the way he was used at Bayern recently, I think this is impossible.
“Schweinsteiger needs a coach who fully trusts him and will tune the system around him. If Schweinsteiger gets an offer from a top European club, I would advise him a transfer in the summer.
“If the rumours are true that Louis van Gaal wants to bring him to Manchester United, Schweinsteiger should think about that carefully. If Van Gaal wants him, he will let him play where his strengths are.a a Matthaus wrote in his column for Sport Bild . .
Manchester United are in the market for a new midfielder this summer and rumours have linked them with a move for the Bayern Munich midfielder. Schweinsteigera s previous relationship with Louis van Gaal would perhaps help them in convincing the German star to a move to the Premier League, but ideally they would perhaps look for a much younger option. United are looking for a long term replacement of Michael Carrick and Schweinsteiger isna t too young himself, plus he would still cost them a lot of money despite the single year remaining in his contract.
Morgan Schneiderlin remains Uniteda s primary target this summer, but if they fail to secure him, Louis van Gaal could turn his attention towards Schweinsteiger. Bayern Munich chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already stated that the club will sell Schweinteiger only if the midfielder himself asks to leave.
