Bastian Schweinsteiger’s transfer to Manchester United promised so much more than it delivered, but there were perhaps negative signs from the start. Bayern Munich had publicly been saying they weren’t forcing the midfielder out, and he would only move if he wanted to, but the insinuation for some time was they’d be quite happy with the switch.
Louis van Gaal hoped the experience Schweinsteiger would bring could help his young Manchester United squad and that may have been the case over the course of a couple of seasons, but the Dutchman left and the incoming Jose Mourinho had other ideas.
Schweinsteiger did well to hold off on a transfer after being ostracised at Manchester United and eventually got his chance back in the team, but it was just a cameo. Signing for Chicago Fire, there’s a new career ahead for the German.
The MLS side are thrilled with their big name transfer from Manchester United, so much so that fans have been encouraged to head to the airport to welcome the player.
Tomorrow’s the day ✈️✈️
Meet us at @fly2ohare Terminal 5 to help welcome @BSchweinsteiger to Chicago! 🙌 #cf97 pic.twitter.com/YGvnmgLqpO
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) March 27, 2017
On the face it, Schweinsteiger’s rest period with Manchester United could do him well ahead of starting his MLS stint.