German legend Lothar Matthaus urges Bastian Schweinsteiger to quit Bayern Munich for Manchester United

Bastian Schweinsteiger will be re-united with Louis van Gaal if he does join Manchester United

Bastian Schweinsteiger has been urged to consider joining Manchester United or spend the rest of his Bayern Munich career on the bench by Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus. Schweinsteiger has been linked with a move to Old Trafford but was told by Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that he will need to request a move before he is allowed to leave.

With Schweinsteiger’s standing at the club, it is unlikely that he will hand in a transfer request, but Matthaus believes he may have to, in order to save his career. The 30-year-old has found himself out of favour at the Allianz Arena this season and Matthaus believes that had Javi Martinez and Thiago been fit, he would have played even lesser games.

Speaking in his column in Bild, Germany’s most-capped player stated that the 30-year-old should seriously consider reuniting with Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford:

“I can understand that Schweinsteiger is wondering about his future. Bastian announced that he wants to play football on the highest level until 2018. But in the way he was used at Bayern recently, I think this is impossible.

Pep Guardiola showed in the last 12 months that he is not that convinced of Schweinsteiger any more. He preferred Xabi Alonso. Had Thiago and Javi Martinez been fit last season, Schweinsteiger would not have played in important games anymore!

A switch to the USA would threaten Schweinsteiger’s participation at the European Championships in France next year. In the last stage of his career, Schweinsteiger needs a coach who fully trusts him and will tune the system around him.

If Schweinsteiger gets an offer from a top European club, I would advise him a transfer in the summer. If the rumours are true that Louis van Gaal wants to bring him to Manchester United, Schweinsteiger should think about that carefully.

If Van Gaal wants him, he will let him play where his strengths are.”

United had been lining up a £10m move for the midfielder, and his signing would be key as Van Gaal looks for a right-footed central midfielder. His experience would also help as United return to the Champions League, but will Schweinsteiger pay any attention to the German legend?