Bastian Schweinsteiger move from Man United to MLS confirmed

The move is subject to a medical and Schweinsteiger obtaining a visa

Bastian Schweinsteiger move from Man United to MLS confirmed

Manchester United have confirmed a deal has been agreed for midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to join Chicago Fire.

The German World Cup winner has struggled for opportunities since moving to Old Trafford in 2015 and has made only four appearances this season.

Schweinsteiger said on manutd.com: "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 the challenge at Chicago Fire."

The move is subject to a medical and Schweinsteiger obtaining a visa, with the Chicago Tribune reporting a one-year contract has been agreed.

Schweinsteiger joined the Red Devils from Bayern Munich with a reputation as one of the best midfielders of his generation in world football.

But manager Jose Mourinho did not play him this season until a November 30 EFL Cup match against West Ham, and in nearly two years with the club he made just 13 Premier League starts.

His only league goal came in a 1-1 draw with Leicester in November 2015.

At one stage United even wrote him off as an asset in their accounts yet he never complained publicly and remained a very popular figure with the fans.

Schweinsteiger continued on the club website: "I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future.

"But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester."

Chicago Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez told the Chicago Tribune: "We're adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values.

"We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, an accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally."

According to the report, Schweinsteiger could join up with his new club as early as next week, on a base annual salary of $4.5 million (€4.1million) and with an initial one-year contract.

Schweinsteiger won 121 caps for Germany, scoring 24 goals, before retiring from international football last summer.

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Manchester United v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Europa League - Group L - Old Trafford Arne Slot: the overachiever and ‘good guy’ who can spark a revolution
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal - Premier League - Molineux Stadium Mikel Arteta says Arsenal need to ‘put rivalry aside’ against Tottenham
European Leagues General Assembly - London Premier League chief says Manchester City case will be resolved ‘in near future’
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited