Schweinsteiger's verdict on Ten Hag's United

Wednesday 14 December 2022 07:00

Bastian Schweinsteiger is excited to see how Erik ten Hag develops Manchester United in the second half of the season, after following the Dutchman’s progress with interest so far.

The ex-Red is naturally a football expert, but he also has a very personal knowledge of our new manager after his brother Tobias was coached by him at Bayern Munich II between 2013 and 2015. 

The Schweinsteiger brothers always had more than a soft spot for United when growing up and that played a part in Bastian joining the club in 2015. While his time at Old Trafford was ultimately short, he remains a popular figure among supporters.

During our exclusive interview that you can watch below, the 38-year-old World Cup winner discusses his and Tobias’s mutual admiration for the manager: “Yes, you know, my brother knows him a little bit better than me, obviously, because he was literally his coach. 
Bastian: United are slowly recovering Video

Bastian: United are slowly recovering

Bastian Schweinsteiger discusses Erik ten Hag, our season so far and the influence of the manager’s summer signings…

“But you can see that Erik ten Hag is a coach who is... I mean at Ajax Amsterdam, he was doing a great job with that team and those players to play that kind of football. It was amazing. 

“Obviously, he's had to make some decisions [at United] and sometimes that is not so easy, but someone has to do it and I think it is the right moment to do it at United. Otherwise, he won't close the gap to City and the other teams.”

Followers of Schweinsteiger on social media will know that the German often posts about United and he clearly still has a keen interest in the team’s results – which is great to see. 

As Bastian explains, he has been encouraged by the squad’s development under Ten Hag so far this season: “Well, I follow United, obviously, very much and as much as I can,” he admits.

“There have been some ups and downs during the season.

Which striker does Basti recommend? Video

Which striker does Basti recommend?

Q&A part two | We ask Bastian Schweinsteiger about Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford & potential transfer targets…

“Obviously, Ten Hag is trying to change the mentality and the philosophy a little bit, to get it on the right road and, after a very bad start, I think United are slowly recovering and getting back on track. 

“Maybe the World Cup break is not too bad and it will give him more time to settle in. I really look forward to the next games in the Premier League and, of course, I wish him and United all the best.”

Look out for more from Bastian Schweinsteiger on Thursday.

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