Manchester United summer signing Bastian Schweinsteiger has thanked his manager Louis van Gaal and his club teammate Marouane Fellaini, while admitting that he is surprised after he was allowed to take the No 31 shirt.
The World Cup winning midfielder with Germany made a switch from Bayern Munich to England in the ongoing transfer window. He was part of Louis van Gaal’s side during the pre-season tour of the United States.
During United’s trip to the States, Schweinsteiger was given No 23 as Fellaini had No 31. However, the Belgium international has given away his earlier number and will now wear No 27 at United from the 2015-16 season.
“Yeah it does a little bit. I was happy that the coach gave me the no.31 and was really surprised as well,” Schweinsteiger told MUTV when asked if it has aided his adaptation.
“So thank you to Felli too. For me, I played there since I played my first game for Bayern and 31 means a lot to me. I didn’t expect the coach would give me the number but he decided, and the club decided, and it gives me a little bit more feeling like I’m at home, yes.”
The former Bayern midfield star came on as a substitute on two occasions in United’s first two league matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, which saw the Red Devils seal a 1-0 victory on both occasions.
Meanwhile, Fellaini is serving his three match ban for the red card he received in the final match of the previous season against Hull City.
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