French newspaper L’Equipe published a sensational report yesterday that created a bit of stir among the Manchester United fans.
According to L’Equipe, French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is one step closer to joining Manchester United in the summer. The 25-year-old has agreed a 4-year-deal with the Red Devils. However, L’Equipe also adds that Manchester United have yet to agree any deal with Southampton, although talks are ongoing at the moment and the vibes coming out are positive.
In England, the media are not too certain about the deal being close or done. James Ducker of The Times, wrote in his article yesterday that Bastian Schweinsteiger remains Manchester United’s prime midfield target in the summer. If and only United fail to sign the Bayern midfielder, they would go for Schneiderlin.
There’s nothing new to say about Schweinsteiger that is not known to everyone. He is a world class midfielder who would add quality to any side in the world. He has played over 110 games for Germany, won World Cup with his country, and he has played all his life for one club only.
He joined Bayern’s youth academy as a junior trainee in 1998. He progressed through the youth ranks at the club, and made his debut for the senior team in 2002. From there on, it has been a great journey for the 30-year-old midfielder. He made over 500 appearances for the club, serving the Bundesliga side for nearly a decade. He is loved and adored by the fans, who affectionately call him as the ‘Football God’. Such is his popularity at the club. Such is his bond with the club.
And still, Schweinsteiger is now facing an uncertain future at Bayern. Who would have thought that a player of his caliber would face the prospect of leaving Bayern someday? He is no longer a regular starter in Pep Guardiola’s team, having started only 15 Bundesliga games last season. He has dropped down the pecking orders at the club and Guardiola has failed to assure him more game time for next season.
Manchester United are trying to exploit the situation by offering him regular football. Schweinsteiger enjoys a healthy relationship with Louis van Gaal, which adds an extra incentive for him to move to Old Trafford, if he leaves Bayern.
And there in lies the biggest dilemma for the German midfielder. Having played for Bayern for nearly a decade, the club has become a comfort zone for him. He is a club hero and a legend, and therefore he holds a special emotional bond with Bayern. On the other hand, he is now the captain of Germany, and knows that he is capable of playing at the highest level for 3-4 years easily. He needs to be in top form and good shape while leading his team to the Euro 2016. Therefore, he must play regular football, something that Bayern cannot offer him at this moment.
Therefore he simply cannot ignore the temptation of joining United, the lure of playing regularly and working again under Van Gaal, who trusted him so much during the Dutchman’s period at Bayern.
We now have an interesting situation at hand. How long will United wait to get a positive confirmation for Schweinsteiger? Should they move quickly for Schneiderlin knowing that Premier League rivals Arsenal are equally interested too? Have your say below.
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