Mourinho: ‘Powerful one’ Schweinsteiger ‘could stay’ at United

Mark Scott
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Back in the fold for United

Jose Mourinho has said Bastian Schweinsteiger may not leave Man United in January after all after making his first appearance of the season.

The German midfielder was applauded every time he touched the ball when coming on as a late substitute in the Red Devils’ 4-1 win against West Ham in EFL Cup, and Mourinho said he could well be a Manchester United player beyond the upcoming transfer window.

“Of course he can (stay),” said Mourinho at his latest press conference.

“If you have a contract you are the powerful one that can decide your future. In the summer we try to make something happen for Bastian to get a different future. He decided to stay in difficult circumstances.

“He was the powerful one and decided to stay in difficult circumstances. He worked for that and deserved that little happiness of the next match.

“January again he will be the powerful one and probably with better feelings than before because he is working with the team.

“He understands our dynamic, our philosophy. You can see the happiness he showed the other day. He is somebody who is so happy, so proud of his efforts and determination. I like people with determination.”

“We thought he was ready to play a little bit. He is another one who can help us. In seasons you have suspensions and injuries – Pogba and Fellaini were suspended – and he was ready.

“He is another one in the squad fighting for more chances.”

Schweinsteiger, 32, has already spoken to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire and has been contacted by other US clubs, but may now put a move on hold until the summer.