Manchester United should have kept Bastian Schweinsteiger, claims Germany boss Joachim Low
The World Cup winner has joined MLS franchise Chicago Fire after being frozen out at Old Trafford but German boss Joachim Low thinks Jose Mourinho should have used the experienced midfielder more
GERMANY boss Joachim Low has delivered a warning to Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, insisting it could be a mistake dumping Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Low, who leads Germany against England in Dortmund, thinks his former skipper, now retired from international football still had plenty to offer Mourinho as they battle for a Champions League spot.
United are four points behind Liverpool with two games in hand, but Low feels Mourinho could have done with the 32-year-old during the vital Premier League run in.
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Schweinsteiger, who led Germany to the World Cup in 2014, joined United from Bayern Munich in 2015, has signed a 0ne-year deal with MLS side Chicago Fire after making just four appearances this season.
Low said: “I have seen a few of the Manchester United games. As a midfield organiser, I think they could have done with Schweinsteiger.”
“He was very close to the squad but Mourinho decided otherwise, so I think it is a good opportunity to end his career to go abroad to get a new experience to be in a big city where he can be incognito.
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“Chicago has more to offer than football. Schweinsteiger is interested in different things other than sport. It is a good decision.
“We spoke some weeks ago. He said that in training he has given everything he has got, he has shown the coach what he can do and there was some light on the horizon.
The German signed by Louis Van Gaal, featured for Mourinho for the first time as a late sub in the League Cup win over West Ham in November.
Schweinsteiger made another three appearances for the club and his last outing was in the Europa League first-leg win against St Etienne in February.
“But at the end of the day it seems like it was just not to be at Manchester United.”
He said: "I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United. But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up this challenge
"I have enjoyed working with the manager, players and staff but I have to reserve special thanks to the fans. I will always remember their energy and their passion.”
Chicago boss Veljko Paunovic said: “In the locker room, he will be a huge example of a champion.
"He still is somebody that can show that on the field and [demonstrate] how our guys have to work, prepare, behave, think and work together in order to get to that level.”