World-cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger has stated that he is fit and ready should United need him, but does he still have what it takes to play for United?
The German midfielder recently returned to training with the first team, after being forced to train with the reserves by Jose Mourinho.
Schweinsteiger’s treatment by Mourinho has been criticised by his compatriots, with Emre Can the most recent player to slam Mourinho and United for humiliating Schweinsteiger.
United signed Schweinsteiger from German giants Bayern Munich on a three-year contract for a fee of £6.5 million in July 2015, but the midfielder has only made 31 appearances for the Red Devils, all of which came last year.
Jose Mourinho has yet play the midfielder for even a minute, but Schweinsteiger says he is fit and ready, and still dreams of winning the title with Manchester United :
“I’m trying to keep myself fit for the situation in which I am needed,” Schweinsteiger said, according to Sky Sports.
“I don’t know if I will get a chance, but I hope so. I still feel fit at 32 and certainly want to play more years at the top level and of course I want to win things.”
“We won the FA Cup last year and that was also one of my aims. Of course it would be great to play for United in the Premier League and perhaps win it.
“If I am needed, I will give everything – I am ready.”
It is clear that Schweinsteiger does not feature in Mourinho’s plans, but is Mourinho making a mistake by not playing the midfielder?
We take a look at what Schweinsteiger can still bring to this Manchester United side :
Experience
Manchester United have looked nervy at times this season, particularly when defending a slim lead. Schweinsteiger is the ideal candidate to bring a calming presence to their midfield. The German has made a total of 566 club appearances in his career, and has a hugely impressive 121 caps with the German national team.
It is very easy to forget that Schweinsteiger was also a crucial member of Germany’s squad during their successful 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign, and was particularly impressive in the final against Argentina, with his probing passes constantly keeping the German side on the offensive.
That performance stands out especially because that was a game of some magnitude, and it is exactly this experience that Mourinho must use to his advantage in games that require it. Even Paul Scholes – himself one of the best midfielders of his generation – has called for Mourinho to play Schweinsteiger more.
Leadership
United already have some big characters in the dressing room, with both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney capable of playing the role of captain. There is nothing wrong with more leaders in the side, though, and United could use one in midfield.
Schweinsteiger’s experience means that he can tell exactly what they need to do when things aren’t going their way, and as captain of the German side that won the World Cup in 2014, his leadership pedigree cannot be questioned.
Someone to learn from – particularly for Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba hasn’t had the best of starts on his return to United. The world’s most expensive player has been criticised for his performances so far this season, with Paul Scholes again the one who has been most vocal about the Frenchman.
United’s midfield has often looked disjointed, with Fellaini remaining unconvincing and Ander Herrera – although he has been impressive on several occassions this season – still not convincing as a long-term option.
Pogba – who is no doubt a brilliant player regardless of his early performances – is still learning his trade, and Schweinsteiger, who was one of the best in the world at it not too long ago, could teach the 23-year old a thing or two.
It is one thing learning from a player in training – and bear in mind Schweinsteiger has only just started training with the first team again – and quite another learning from players in actual games. There is every chance that Pogba could start performing a lot better should Schweinsteiger feature, although United will probably need a slight formation tweak if he is to do so.
United also have other youngsters in the ranks, such as Antony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly all under the age of 25. They could learn a lot from a player of Schweinsteiger’s calibre and experience, and Mourinho should use this to his advantage.