Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has singled out Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho as the pair leading the club’s relentless pursuit of the Europa League trophy.
United have endured a miserable Premier League season that currently has them languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table and yet to reach 40 points, with just three games left to play. The Red Devils have suffered a club-record 16 top-flight defeats.
Yet, there remains a realistic chance for United to end the season with silverware in the form of the Europa League. Ruben Amorim’s side are the only unbeaten team left in the competition and have one foot in the final after last week’s dominant 3-0 first-leg victory over Athletic Club in the semi-finals.
United are largely expected to go through to the final but Schweinsteiger has called for caution, insisting the tie is not done and dusted.
The German football legend spoke to Flashscore at a UEFA event in Nairobi, Kenya and said, “Manchester United is a club that knows how to win, even when the odds are stacked against them. This season has had its ups and downs, but in Europe, knockout football is about mentality and heritage. United has that in their DNA.”
“To be honest, yes I was watching the game (against Athletic), that is why I was aware of the outcome, the red card definitely helped Man United to control the game much better, all of a sudden Harry Maguire turned up as a winger, I was surprised as well, when he was there and he brought a cross in for the first goal.”
“But credit to him (Maguire), you know like he had a lot of difficult times, but you know he always stood up and tried to perform, so I am happy and pleased that United won, but it is not done yet, the second leg is coming, this season is very tough for United. Obviously they have had some struggles.”
Schweinsteiger praised Fernandes and Garnacho for their crucial contributions in Europe this term, asserting that the duo are leading by example and driving the team forward.
“With Bruno Fernandes controlling the midfield and young players stepping up like Alejandro Garnacho, they’re building momentum. The match against Athletic, impressed me a lot, after the red card, it boosted players’ momentum to play.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they go all the way and lift the Europa League trophy. It’s about picking the form at the right time.”
Schweinsteiger signed for United in July 2015 from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. He made his debut for the 20-time English champions a month later when he came on as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
However, his time at United was limited to just 35 appearances, largely due to persistent injuries and eventually falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
On why he joined United, Schweinsteiger told Flashscore, “You know the great thing about Man United, and that is why I also moved to United is the supporters, they are so loyal, so special, and they are always there when the results are not good like in this season, you still can feel the power of the supporters worldwide of Man United and especially at Old Trafford when you are once on the pitch.”
“I remember one situation when we played Bayern Munich over there at the quarter-finals of 2010, we lost the second leg 3-2 but we qualified for the next round, and when we were about to leave the pitch, we were passing by the Stretford End and there were United supporters waiting.”
“All of a sudden, they stood up and gave us an applause and a huge standing ovation, that doesn’t happen so many times in certain stadiums or away stadiums, so that is why for me, United supporters are fantastic like how much they respect the players.”
During his stint at United, Schweinsteiger collected an impressive trio of trophies: the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the Europa League.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
