Bastian Schweinsteiger has been out of favour since the arrival of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho at the start of the new season. The German international made his first appearance as a late substitute for the Red Devils in United’s 4-1 win over West Ham United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
However, the troubled Schweinsteiger just might end up staying at Old Trafford post the January transfer window, as he is willing to stay and fight for his place in Mourinho’s side. Eager to impress and prove his fitness to Mourinho and Manchester United, Schweinsteiger has been hailed by his teammates as a huge role model, excellent player and fantastic personality in the dressing room.
“We have a decision completely made about Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick. We have five players for two positions. It’s very difficult that an opportunity will arrive,” said Mourinho when asked about Bastian’s future at United at the start of the campaign.
The German had not featured for United since the onset of the season, before he made his much-anticipated return to Old Trafford, as a substitute with five minutes to go against West Ham in the EFL Cup.
A huge round of applause broke out at Old Trafford in praise of the German when the United announcer Alan Keegan introduced Schweinsteiger into the game replacing Anthony Martial. Post the game speaking to reporters, Jose Mourinho in his post-match analysis, praised the reception from the United faithful and the German’s work ethic.
“Schweinsteiger can stay”
"Of course he can [stay]," said Mourinho on Friday.
"If you have a contract, you are the powerful one that can decide your future. In January he is the powerful one - and with better feelings than before. Everybody was happy because when he was not training, he fought against that and managed to do it without injury.
"He had been working for months, and I thought it could be a good opportunity for him to play and help us," the Portuguese coach added.
Reports from England suggest Mourinho has been forced to admit his mistake over the German midfielder. The surprise inclusion of Schweinsteiger in the past few Matchday squads suggests the manager might turn to the German for more balance and experience although he will be unavailable for Europa League games, as he is not part of the squad.
United have looked menacing going forward in recent times although four consecutive draws at home in the league have not helped Mourinho as the start to this campaign is the club’s worst since the inception of the Premier League. United travel to Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, needing only a point to progress to the next stage of the competition.
It hurts me not to select everyone, says Jose
Jose Mourinho speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Everton game on Sunday claimed he would never push out a player who is determined and willing to fight for a place in his set up.
"Nobody deserves to be pushed, for me to say 'it's better for you to leave'. I am comfortable having them all, and it hurts me not to select them because of the way they work. But frustration is something that comes to players in certain moments of their careers, and we will analyse it if anyone shows me they have a desire to leave."
The German was constantly linked with moves away from the club, with many MLS franchises keen to acquire the services of the World Cup winner, however, Jose’s latest words imply that he still has a future at Old Trafford.
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