While Bastian Schweinsteiger looks set for an exit from Manchester United, the fans’ emotions were triggered by his brother’s tweet directed at the high handed treatment meted out by manager Jose Mourinho.
The former Bayern Munich midfielder has reportedly been banished to the reserve team dressing room, as Mourinho made it clear that he did not feature in his future plans for Manchester United. Fans were divided in their reactions, with some dejected by the banishment while others pointed out that the midfielder was a shadow of his former self.
It all started with this tweet from the former German captain’s brother Tobi Schweinsteiger.
no respect
— Tobi Schweinsteiger (@tobits7) August 1, 2016
Many fans were quick to take up Schweinsteiger’s cause, labeling Mourinho’s treatment of him as crass and disrespectful.
Fine, if he doesn’t plan with the player, but could be dealt with in a different way. It’s classless! #Mourinho. #MUFC #Schweinsteiger
— Mat Tel (@matthiasvoigt75) August 2, 2016
I’ve never been a #Schweinsteiger fan but I think his treatment by #Mourinho isn’t fair. @ManUtd #MUFC
— #MUFC (@TshumanMC) August 2, 2016
I’m not surprised if @ManUtd didn’t show #Respect to @BSchweinsteiger
As #MUFC didn’t Respect #Legend like #Giggs#Schweinsteiger #ManUtd— Ahmed (@Elkashash_11) August 2, 2016
My guess is something has happened. Exile is punishment. #Schweinsteiger #mufc
— UTD247 (@UTD20four7) August 2, 2016
Man United’s treatment of Basti is deplorable. Hope y’all crash and burn and have to pay him mad money in the end. #Schweinsteiger
— Sia (@sisi_m) August 2, 2016
I don’t like how we’re treating #Schweinsteiger at all.
— Mr.22 (@TheNaurisJ) August 2, 2016
#MUFC not covering themselves in Glory again with treatment of #Schweinsteiger we should be better than that.
— Red_Devil619 (@Paul_Taylor2011) August 2, 2016
However, there was a large section of fans who thought that the former Bayern Munich midfielder was past his prime, and Mourinho was right in his treatment of Schweinsteiger.
Germans whining over #Schweinsteiger gettin the boot by #Mourinho should think before they tweet. His best output since 2014 was his wedding
— Cartesos (@cartesos) August 2, 2016
As decorated and successful Schweinsteiger is, he simply wasn’t good/effective enough last season. #Schweinsteiger #MUFC
— Matthew ReedⓂ️ (@mattreed89) August 2, 2016
@golfbollox @tobits7 I’m not arsed. His attitude has been shite from day one. Good riddance.
— Conor (@Conjob123) August 1, 2016
#Schweinsteiger in training with reserve-team players.Shouldn’t be brand new to him as he spent years of training alongside Lukas #Podolski!
— Cartesos (@cartesos) August 2, 2016
The debate also led to a bizarre and hilarious conversation between a Schweinsteiger fan, who also seems to admire Michael Carrick, and a gentleman from Coventry who goes by the name of ‘the baron’.
@tobits7 Sack Mourinho and make Basti manager, Bastis bigger than football
— Schweinsteiger_fan (@DareToCarrick) August 1, 2016
@DareToCarrick @tobits7 he WAS two years ago now he is finished. See who is interested in him now
— The Baron (@Baron81The) August 1, 2016
@Baron81The @tobits7 where do you live mate
— Schweinsteiger_fan (@DareToCarrick) August 1, 2016
@DareToCarrick @tobits7 Coventry. Why?
— The Baron (@Baron81The) August 1, 2016
@Baron81The @tobits7 I’m near there right now, can we meet
— Schweinsteiger_fan (@DareToCarrick) August 1, 2016
@DareToCarrick @tobits7 No as I’m with the family and kids. Very weird question. Why do you want to meet?
— The Baron (@Baron81The) August 1, 2016
@Baron81The @tobits7 I’m bored mate
— Schweinsteiger_fan (@DareToCarrick) August 1, 2016
@DareToCarrick @tobits7 depends if you are decent with the women as I don’t hang about with people who aren’t
— The Baron (@Baron81The) August 1, 2016
@Baron81The @tobits7 of course I am mate
— Schweinsteiger_fan (@DareToCarrick) August 1, 2016
@DareToCarrick @tobits7 I’m the best. That’s why people call me The Baron
— The Baron (@Baron81The) August 1, 2016