Manchester United’s Schweinsteiger off to the MLS

Manchester Untied midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has made a surprise switch to MLS outfit Chicago Fire, Chicago Tribune reports.

The deal worth $4.5 million a year was made on Monday and is subject to a successful medical. It is believed Manchester United are willing to let go of their midfielder as he has found himself being dropped down the pecking order under Mourinho this season, having managed only four starts this season.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great.” Schweinsteiger commented.

“My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson Rodriguez and Pauno, I’m convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”

The 32-year-old joined United in 2015 but has played in only 15 matches for over two years which is in deep contrast to his 13 trophy-laden years at Bayern Munich before that where he won eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy.

The deal seems to have been brewing for months as Schweinsteiger had been spotted having lunch with Fire manager Velijko Paunovic in the late months of 2016.

“The conversation [then] was so spontaneous,” Paunovic revealed. “so natural and so inspiring for both sides. At one point it became a very personal conversation.

“I think that also helped for both sides to understand how we can help each other and how much value we can get from this for both sides.”

Chicago Fire are looking to bounce back from finishing at the bottom of the table in the last MLS season. The new season started on 3 March and will conclude in October.