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.