Jose Mourinho explains decision to recall Bastian Schweinsteiger to first-team training
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 02/11/16 4:49pm
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has opened up on his decision to bring Bastian Schweinsteiger back into the first team fold.
The German, who played 31 games last season after signing from Bayern Munich, had been forced to train with the U21s and U23s and was not included in the Europa League squad.
Speaking ahead of United's latest European challenge in Fenerbahce, Mourinho insisted Schweinsteiger's return would help the midfielder whether he decided to remain at Old Trafford in January or not.
"Schweinsteiger is back," said Mourinho. "It was based on the fact we are in this time of the season where it is hard to train with all the players.
"So to do the tactical sessions I want to do you need a certain number of players, but the group shrinks when people are injured or recovering, many times we go to the Academy to bring young boys to have a group of the perfect numbers to train.
"Looking at Bastian and the way he was working professionally with the fitness coach, we think that it is a human and professional decision to bring him back to the team, and he will be much better prepared in case his future decision is to leave the club.
"If he stays with us he becomes one more option. In this moment we have no problems in midfield like we do in defence, but if we do he is one more option."