Pep casts doubts over Bastian

Guardiola, who managed Schweinsteiger at Bayern, claims midfielder has not been fit for past three years

MUNICH: Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has cast a doubt on Manchester United’s new midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger by saying his former player was never fully fit during the last three seasons.

Guardiola said the 31-yearold Schweinsteiger can only be a success at the Premier League club if he can shake off his injury problems.

“When he does not have injury problems, I am completely convinced he will do very well at Manchester United,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by the British media. “He is a top, top player.

“Unfortunately, during the last three years he was never in good condition. He is going to play really good there (at United). I really hope that is going to happen.”

German World Cup winner Schweinsteiger, who has been plagued by ankle and knee injuries throughout his career, spent 17 years at Bayern before joining United in the summer.

Guardiola, however, had words of praise for Spain international Pedro, who has been heavily linked with a move to United, calling him one of the “best” players.

“He is one of the best players you can imagine,” said Guardiola, who worked with the forward when he managed Barcelona.

“He’s won the European Cup, the Champions League and played millions of games for Barcelona.

“He can play in any team in the world, but I don’t know the situation right now. He’s a great player.”

LYON SIGN RAFAEL FROM MANCHESTER UNITED

MANCHESTER: Seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon has announced that the French club has signed Brazilian right back Rafael from Manchester United.

“Olympique Lyonnais infor med of an agreement reached with Manchester United for the transfer of Brazilian international Rafael da Silva, who will sign in the coming days a four-year contract up to June 30, 2019,” said a club statement.

“The player passed his medical today in Lyon and will be presented to the media by the end of the week.”