Sport

Why Schweinsteiger still has a role at Man Utd

In an era full of change, José Mourinho must be careful in upsetting the balance and the fans’s perception when making changes at Old Trafford. It is obvious to see that there is a pile of deadwood that needs to be cleared away from Manchester, but the Portuguese manager needs to be careful in who to shift out right from the off. Why Schweinsteiger still has a role at Man Utd.

It’s no secret that Bastian Schweinsteiger hasn’t had the most comfortable first season in Manchester. Playing only 21 times in all competitions for the Red Devils, the German midfielder had missed the majority of the season through injuries. It has also been made aware that he’s spent his rehabilitation time away from Manchester and on planes following now-wife, Ana Ivanović, around on her travels, much to the disdain of certain Manchester United players and staff.

There has been heavy criticism over the Germany captain’s involvement in the squad, and that he should be sold on – for what will be a very minute fee – this summer. Now 31-years-old, fans wonder how long he can keep playing at the top level before his knee inevitably gives way for good. He’s already looking like his fitness is in question.

After a very impressive Euro 2016 campaign, Schweinsteiger may have rekindled the admiration of the Old Trafford faithful. After a long rest, the midfielder looked rejuvenated and raring to go, coming to life in the dying minutes of the game and even scoring a crucial goal in the group stage.

It’s evident that Der Fußballgott will not be playing week in, week out, he’s not fit enough to do that and more likely than not, he’ll get injured and face a lengthy stay on the sidelines. That’s not to say that Schweini doesn’t have a part to play in this new era under José Mourinho.

As soon as Schweinsteiger stepped onto the field for his first appearance, it was clear as day to see what he would bring. Leadership, organisation, composure and a voice. A clear voice. Something the Red Devils desperately lacked since Sir Alex Ferguson left. He was organising his defence which he neatly sat in-front of, and commanding the likes of Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata to make runs so he could play the ball into them. It’s this type of persona that Manchester United have missed.

Michael Carrick’s a wonderful passer of the ball and has been a loyal servant to the club for many years, but Schweinsteiger brings something different. The dominance and archetypal leadership that wins games; the composure that resonates from him and finds its way into the veins of the other players.

Not only is Schweinsteiger a voice on the pitch, but he is also a voice off it. And, arguably, that is more important as he enters the remaining years of his football-playing career. A mentor to the youth. With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Lingard, Adnan Januzaj, Andreas Pereira and James Wilson all looking to break through, Bastian can – and he does – act as a sounding board to those, giving guidance and advice when necessary.

For what he brings to the club, it would be a real shame if Schweinsteiger was sold after just one year. Now retired from international football, he can dedicate his life to the club side of things and injuries should hopefully be limited. He’s not 35-years-old, he’s 31, and still has plenty to give.