German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger admits to being outcasted by former Manchester United manager during the duo’s days at Old Trafford. The Bayern Munich legend was expelled to the Red Devils’ reserves side as he tried to make sense with what was happening at the club.
Schweinsteiger was signed by Dutch tactician Louis Van Gaal in 2015 but didn’t last long in Manchester under Mourinho, who arrived months after Van Gaal was sacked at the club.
Speaking to the MUFC podcast, the legendary German midfield talisman spoke in length about his desire of playing at Old Trafford as a youngster, having supported the club as a kid, along with his allegiances for Bavarian giants Bayern.
However, it was his admission regarding now Roma coach Mourinho that stood out.
“It was very strange on my (32nd) birthday I came to the dressing room wanted to change, but then someone told me I’m not allowed to go in and I had to change in the dressing room and had to play with the second team.
I was very hurt because no-one was talking to me. Then I was speaking to Mourinho about it and he explained something to me something which I really did not understand and it had to do with the second injury that I got.
I had a lot of respect for him, but I did not understand the situation why I was not allowed to train and play with the first team. There were some different opinions about me being professional which is not true.
Mourinho apologized and said he made a mistake which, of course, was nice but I lost my heart and love a little bit towards the club, not the fans, not players, not the people who live in Manchester, it was not easy.
“If I want to do something I want to do with it with my full heart full energy. It hurt me so much it was great pain for me and I couldn’t really trust the club.”
‘The Special One’ spent 144 games in charge of Manchester United between May 2016 and December 2018, before being sacked by the club. Schweinsteiger made it to Mourinho’s starting lineup only four times, before which the Red Devils sold him to MLS outfit Chicago Fire midway through his second season.