What next for Bastian Schweinsteiger?

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  • Where to next: Schweinsteiger

    It’s safe to say that Jose Mourinho has gotten off to a flyer as Manchester United boss. From stellar signings to winning all three of his opening competitive fixtures – and a little piece of  Community Shield silverware as well – the Old Trafford faithful could hardly have hoped for much more.

    He even seems to have put prejudices aside. Juan Mata was expected to be the first out the door upon his arrival, considering his unceremonious sale from Chelsea when Mourinho took over at the Bridge for a second spell. But the Spaniard has started the first two Premier League games and seems like he will continue to feature in the manager’s plans.

    Marouane Fellaini was also thought not to fit the Portuguese’s blueprint but has been a different player under the new management, breaking up play in the middle of the park and being rather effective with his modest array of passes.

    However, if there’s but one blemish on Mourinho’s otherwise rosy beginning to life in the red half of Manchester, it’s his treatment of Bastian Schweinsteiger.

    The German World Cup winner and Bayern Munich legend has been cast aside and made to train with the reserves. Granted, the midfielder has hardly made a contribution since his arrival last year, but the general consensus is that his reputation commands a certain level of respect.

    Mourinho is nothing if not ruthless though and has been unapologetic. Schweinsteiger took to social media on Wednesday afternoon to clear the air, most notably declaring that United will be his “last club in Europe”.

    Many have cited Italy as a possible destination for the shunned playmaker but the announcement made on his Facebook page takes that option off the table.

    So if not Europe, where would a player of such quality find a new place to call home? Here’s a look at five options for Schweinsteiger.

    MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

    Following his move to Manchester United last year, Franz Beckenbauer was not convinced by Schweinsteiger’s ability to thrive in the Premier League and stated the MLS would’ve been a better option.

    “I find it very brave to make a move like this at his age,” Beckenbauer was quoted as saying. “A move to MLS would have made more sense.”

    As it turns out, the German great may have been right. The Premier League has hardly caught a glimpse of the Schweinsteiger that led his club and country to several trophies over the years.

    The MLS on the other hand has proved to be a worthy destination for several stars from David Beckham to Thierry Henry. The league is desperate to prove that it’s not just a retirement home for washed up stars and the arrival of the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard was a step in the right direction.

    While Schweinsteiger didn’t cut it at United, he’s still seen as more than capable of thriving elsewhere under the right circumstances and would have the opportunity in America to prove that he’s still got it.

    THE GULF 

    Qatari side Al Sadd pulled off their finest coup when they managed to sign Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona last year. The Spaniard’s time at Camp Nou was approaching an end and rather than sit on the sidelines, he chose to head to the Qatar Stars League.

    The midfielder took over from Raul as the poster boy for Qatar’s most successful club, and has certainly been pulling his weight since arriving in the Gulf. Schweinsteiger could certainly make a similar contribution to a club in the region.

    CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE

    Graziano Pelle had a few bright moments during Euro 2016 and before you knew it, he was on his way to China having agreed a deal that would see him earn £270,000 as week. Nowhere else would the former Southampton striker have managed to procure a deal for even half as much.

    Not that he needs it, but if a quick pay-day is what Schweinsteiger fancies before he checks out then the crazy amounts of money being thrown around in the CSL makes it an ideal destination.

    However, even with all the money in the world, a move to China is a stretch for the German, who sued a toy manufacturer there last year for selling a Nazi action figure that looked like him and even carried his name. Sorry, China – you may have blown this one.

    RETIREMENT

    With 24 major trophies to his name, including an FA Cup triumph with United, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to walk away from the game with his head held high.

    The past year hasn’t gone the way he hoped but in the grand scale of things, it’s a blip in an otherwise glittering career. He could even turn to management. Who wouldn’t fancy him locking horns with Mourinho in the dugout?

    STAY AT UNITED

    Staying put would probably be the boldest decision he could make. He has every right to stay and fight for a place. A terrible bout of injuries and who knows, Mourinho may be tempted to look his way. There’s still plenty Schweinsteiger can offer on and off the pitch. If Mata can work his way back into Mourinho’s plans, then why not him too?

    In many ways, that could be one of Schweinsteiger’s finest accomplishments – to be defiant and prove his worth after being told that his number is up. Stranger things have happened.

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