Schweinsteiger ready to fight for United place
German midfielder frozen out at Old Trafford.
Bastian Schweinsteiger says he wants to fight for his place at United. At a press conference today at Dusseldorf, the former Germany captain expressed his desire of staying at United and persuading manager Jose Mourinho that he still can play some quality minutes at Old Trafford.
“It's my dream still to play for United and if I get a fair chance, I believe in it.
“I played in the semi-finals of the European Championship as part of the world champions' team, and I believe in my ability and dream of helping United,” said the German midfielder.
It’s been only two years since Schweinsteiger developed a key role on the team which won the World Cup at Maracana Stadium. Now, the 32-year-old former German skipper has been frozen out of Mourinho's plans for the Red Devils.
A decision which, according to the player, has not damage the personal relationship between manager and footballer.
“Of course we have had talks and I have no problem with Jose Mourinho.
“We had a good chat and he told me his side of things and I also know what I want.
“We've got to wait and see how things go in September and October, but there is respect between us and that's important for me,” told Schweinsteiger.
The German midfielder, who has two years left on his United contract, arrived to Old Trafford last season on a transfer from Bayern Munich.
After a successful career with both Bayern and the German national team, which includes two Champions League trophies and, of course, the victory in Brazil 2014, last year Schweinsteiger joined his former manager Louis Van Gaal on a partnership which didn’t work as expected this time.
“I think up to my suspension last year, things were going well for me, then I had two unfortunate injuries,” remembered Schweinsteiger.
In total, the former Bayern Munich captain was able to participate in 18 Premier League games during the last campaign.
Asked about the Schweinsteiger’s situation at United, Mourinho graded as “very difficult” his chances of playing this season.
“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. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but it’s very difficult that an opportunity will arrive,” said the Reds’ boss.
In the summer, the German midfielder was linked with a possible move to the Major League Soccer (MLS). A possibility no longer available at the moment as the transfer window in the United States is already closed.
“We've got to see what the situation is. The USA is certainly an option, should it come to that,” said Schweinsteiger.
“`I'm certainly not going to stop playing football,'' he added.
After more than 14 years of professional career since he joined Bayern Munich’s first squad back in 2002, Schweinsteiger assures that he has learnt how to act in difficult times.
“Despite this situation, I'm feeling fine.
“I think the Champions League final (defeat to Chelsea in 2012) in Munich was harder to get over.
“I am more mature now and know how to deal with certain situations in football. It's not all about highs, there are also lows but I can deal with it,” Schweinsteiger said.
“Football is a hard business,” he summarised.