Bastian Schweinsteiger backed by Per Mertesacker over Manchester United move

Mertesacker has backed Schweinsteiger’s move to the Premier League

Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker has backed Bastian Schwinstieger to be a success in the Premier League after he moved from Manchester United to Bayern Munich in the summer.

Schweinsteiger left his boyhood club Bayern Munich for United this summer, having won a host of major trophies with the club including eight Bundesliga titles. According to German newspaper Die Welt, Mertesacker said: “He's the next example of how big the respect for Bundesliga and German football is by now,".

"I think it's great that 'Basti' has taken this step. It takes some courage to just leave Munich and FC Bayern. He had a certain status there, and was at a club subscribing to the domestic title. It's a good move. For him and his personal development, and also for German football."

"He knows that a lot is expected of him as a world cup winner. It's incredibly important for him that he stays healthy. Should that be the case, he will implement everything Louis Van Gaal expects from him. He can keep the ball, he's got a great control of the ball, that's what distinguishes him.

“He can become the central player at Manchester United, who can control the opponent and then breakthrough in the deciding moment”. But of some of other German legends have a different a different view in regards to his transfer away from Bayern Munich.

Oliver Kahn has his doubts

In an interview with Kicker, legendary German goal keeper Oliver Kahn issued a fitness warning to the veteran midfielder saying, “His style of play benefited from the system Bayern Munich. There is no Arjen Robben at Manchester United, and there is no Franck Ribery, the ball will be passed back to him more often,”.

"He will have to go an extremely high pace, and thus could relatively soon run into problems, should he not return to being in the best physical shape".

Although he has been plagued by injuries last year Schweinsteiger would want to keep the injury problems away this year. His first appearance for United in the Premier League came in the second half when he entered the field in the place of Carrick. He was given a rousing reception as he entered the Old Trafford pitch for the first time.

With many more matches to come Bastian Schweinsteiger would hope to become an integral part of the United setup, also remain fit and be a success in the EPL.