Neuer has answer to United's woes: Bastian Schweinsteiger

by

Thilo Schmuelgen / Reuters

Manuel Neuer is under no illusions of what he believes could shore up Manchester United after three league matches without a win: his old friend Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The pair were teammates at both Bayern Munich and Germany for the vast majority of their careers, but Schweinsteiger’s path has taken a sorry turn since Jose Mourinho took over in Stretford ahead of the midfielder’s second season in England.

Aged 32, without a club appearance since March, and after some indifferent form under Louis van Gaal last term, Mourinho has instructed the World Cup winner to train alone at Carrington.

“I really hope that Bastian gets some consideration soon,” Neuer told the Press Association at a media conference in Munich. “We all know he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. He belongs on the field for Manchester United and not training individually.”

It’s believed that Schweinsteiger has refused to be disheartened by his plight, and has worked hard on his personal regime in an effort to win Mourinho’s trust in the northwest.

His exclusion has led to significant support from various former teammates and German personalities, with Galatasaray’s Lukas Podolski lending backing to Team Schweinsteiger during United’s devastating 4-0 loss at Chelsea on Sunday:

United gives the least cordial welcome imaginable to local foe Manchester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and has been boosted by the news that Kevin De Bruyne is unavailable for the contest.

Related: De Bruyne to miss Manchester derby after weekend calf knock