Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Will Schweinsteiger prove a worthy buy for United? Guardiola is doubtful

August 04, 2015 14:39 IST

Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger in action

Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger in action during a pre-season friendly. Photograph: Anthony Bolante Livepic/Action Images via Reuters

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has cast a doubt on Manchester United's new midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger by saying his former player was never fully fit during the last three seasons.

- Manchester United bank on Schweinsteiger for midfield mongrel

Guardiola said the 31-year-old Schweinsteiger can only be a success at the Premier League club if he can shake off his injury problems.

"When he does not have injury problems, I am completely convinced he will do very well at Manchester United," Guardiola was quoted as saying by the British media. "He is a top, top player.

"Unfortunately, during the last three years he was never in good condition. He is going to play really good there (at United). I really hope that is going to happen."

Bayern coach Pep Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola during a news conference on Monday. Photograph: Michaela Rehle/Reuters

German World Cup winner Schweinsteiger, who has been plagued by ankle and knee injuries throughout his career, spent 17 years at Bayern before joining United in the summer.

Guardiola, however, had words of praise for Spain international Pedro, who has been heavily linked with a move to United, calling him one of the "best" players.

"He is one of the best players you can imagine," said Guardiola, who worked with the forward when he managed Barcelona.

"He's won the European Cup, the Champions League and played millions of games for Barcelona.

"He can play in any team in the world, but I don't know the situation right now. He's a great player."

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.