Bastian’s back... but not for long
Outcast in training to get him fit for transfer
Bastian schweinsteiger’s exile at Manchester United ended yesterday when he joined his team-mates for first-team training yesterday morning.
the German World Cup winner had been training alone this season, but United manager Jose Mourinho is understood to have told his players of schweinsteiger’s impending return during a meeting before saturday’s goalless draw against Burnley.
Sportsmail can reveal the central midfielder has been handed back a first- team locker inside the dressing room at their Carrington training ground.
Yet that does not mean schweinsteiger will be back in contention to play and sources at Old trafford do not expect him to appear in a matchday squad under Mourinho. the manager does want the 32-year-old fit but is thought to be ready to offload him this January, with Us Major League soccer one potential destination. United would allow him to depart on a free transfer, freeing up more than £130,000 a week in wages.
Luke shaw insisted the players are delighted to have schweinsteiger back in the fold.
‘it’s great to see him back,’ shaw said at the launch of a global partnership with mattress and pillow maker Mlily. ‘ We found out the news a couple of days ago and it’s so great to have him back.
‘He’s a big influence in the dressing room and obviously on the pitch, especially for the young players like myself. it’s a great boost for us, the experience and the quality that he brings.’
schweinsteiger was left out of United’s squad photograph released last week and had plenty of offers to leave over the summer. Club sources say they understood his decision to stay but that
MourMourinho had made up his mind not to includeinc the former Bayern Munich captain in his plans.
that stance appeared to have softened yesterday when the club posted pictures of the session online but the manager is thought to have merely returned him to the fold for training purposes.
schweinsteiger cannot play at Fenerbahce on thursday after being omitted from United’s Europa League squad. Meanwhile, Mourinho will find out today whether his latest misdemeanour will result in a touchline ban.
the Manchester United manager was sent to the stands on saturday after a half- time rant at Mark Clattenburg. Mourinho’s ire was focused on Clattenburg’s refusal to award a penalty for Burnley defender Jon Flanagan’s challenge on Matteo Darmian.
He could be banned for two matches if charged with the use of insulting and/or abusive language. the contents of Clattenburg’s report will determine whether Mourinho is sanctioned.
Mourinho’s frustration boiled over as his side went four Premier League games without a win and Juan Mata has warned United will be left behind if they do not click soon.
‘We need to start winning and find consistency because we are not in the position we should be in,’ Mata said. ‘it is about confidence and that affects how you play on the pitch. We need to get results, we know that.’
Mourinho also faces a separate charge of misconduct following comments made about anthony taylor’s selection as referee for the draw at Liverpool. an Fa commission should consider that charge before the end of the week and it is understood he faces a fine.