Bastian Schweinsteiger has struggled to adjust to life at Old Trafford since the dawn of the Mourinho era. The former Bayern Munich star has spent much of his 2016-2017 career on the training ground, with the Portuguese manager opting to start the likes of Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini instead.
So when Schweinsteiger stepped onto the field as Manchester United faced Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round, it was clear he needed to impress.
The German went on to appear on the assist and score sheets, recording the Red Devils’ fourth and final goal of the tie, earning an especially boisterous roar from the home crowd. He was deemed Man of the Match.
Our friends at WhoScored.com tell us why:
.@BSchweinsteiger: MotM vs Wigan, Rating 8.85, Goals 1, Assist 1, Accurate Passes 103, Touches 131, Tackles 3, Interceptions 3 @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/9W2qyoMl0w
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 29, 2017
Basti’s first start in 385 days showed as he often gave away possession and didn’t seem to carry himself with confidence early in the first half. However, he soon overcame his shaky start and duly delivered.
His display pleased the manager who is now adamant to incorporate Schweinsteiger as part of his Europa League squad, silencing speculation the 32-year-old will be packing bags as the January deadline day approaches.