We have to admit that we at soccersweep were not overly impressed with the initial stories about Bastian Schweinsteiger to Manchester United.
He had been injured regularly over the last couple of years and only managed 28 appearances in all competitions for Bayern last season. At 30 years of age – and pushing 31 – we thought that this could be another expensive failure for Manchester United.
And his fitness could still be an issue.
But as soon as we saw him stroking the ball around for United in their first pre-season game against Club America last week we knew that this was the man to finally replace Roy Keane – in the short to medium term at least.
Basti looks so good in the red jersey
Because ‘Basti’ plays the game with the same sort of commanding presence not seen since the Irishman departed Manchester United a decade ago.
He refuses to be rushed into a pass, regardless of how many men there are around him. He hits the ball so well off both feet that it’s not immediately apparent which is his stronger peg. And he still loves to get forward and support attacks with his clever passing and movement.
This is a heavyweight footballer of the highest calibre and Manchester United are so lucky to have him.
He will probably sit at the base of the midfield and orchestrate the whole team in this campaign.
And if Manchester United can keep him fit, get 40 games out of him, and hand pick him for the most important ties, he could yet become the player of the season in The Premier League. He’s that good.
He looks born to wear the shirt and he said of his new squad:
“I have to say the quality is huge,”
“I am sure with this team, it is possible to win titles and after a week I can say that. We have a good defence, we have good defensive players, and we have quality players who can make the difference in high-level matches.
“There are some guys who will come later, so I think this team has a lot of possibilities and qualities.”
We wait with bated breath for the second pre-season game – 04:00 BST Wednesday morning – but meantime here he is in action on his debut for Manchester United.
WISDOM AKARI
Jul 22, 2015 at 8:03 am
NICE TEAM WORK”” NIC GOAL FRM MEMPHIS. KEEP IT UP.