Germany

Manchester United really hate Bastian Schweinsteiger: he can't even play with the reserves

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:33 p.m. ET

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Thomas Hautmann

Bastian Schweinsteiger isn’t getting so much as a sniff at playing time at Manchester United. That’s nothing new, as Jose Mourinho banished Schweinsteiger from the first team practically on the day he arrived at Old Trafford. But this weekend the former Germany international and World Cup winner reportedly suffered an even bigger degradation.

According to the Mirror, the 32-year-old club outcast has now also been blocked from suiting up for United’s reserves by Mourinho -- despite U-23 boss Warren Joyce reportedly requesting Schweinsteiger’s services for their upcoming matches. One of the best midfielders of his generation, Schweinsteiger continues to only be able to train with the reserves.

Schweinsteiger has been a good soldier ever since Mourinho made him clear out his locker in the summer, showing steadfast support on social media and attending the team’s home games from the stands. He’s been working on his fitness day in day out, pledging to stay ready for whenever the team needs him. And United do seem like they could use a spark. They’ve won just four of their last 11 games in all competitions and have put on a worst start to the season under Mourinho than they did under David Moyes three years ago.

But instead of getting his chance to prove he still has something left in the tank, Schweinsteiger’s been reduced to taking leisurely strolls through the woods and playing Clash of Kings.

That is really, really sad.

Mourinho has never given an actual explanation for why he's completely ostracized Schweinsteiger and there surely seems to be no going back now. This latest demotion more than ever suggests that Schweinsteiger could be on his way out in the January transfer window, and with the German already having ruled out playing for any other club in Europe besides United, Major League Soccer remains his most likely landing spot.

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