Neuer urges Mourinho to end Schweinsteiger's Utd exile

32-year-old is yet to start a match for Manchester United this season

BERLIN: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has called on Manchester United to end Bastian Schweinsteiger's first-team exile and allow the ex-Germany captain to help improve their flagging fortunes.

United coach Jose Mourinho has frozen the 32-year-old out this season, but after Sunday's 4-0 drubbing by Chelsea Neuer says the veteran midfielder should now get a chance.

Schweinsteiger, formerly of Bayern, has been left to train with United's reserves or hit the weights on his own in the gym.



"It's difficult when you don't take part in team training and have to train alone," Neuer said during a Munich press conference for Bayern's German Cup match home to Augsburg on Wednesday. The Bayern Munich goalkeeper added, "I really hope that Bastian gets some consideration soon. We all know he's one of the best midfielders in the world. He belongs on the field for Manchester United and not training individually."

Schweinsteiger made his 121st and final appearance for Germany in a friendly win over Finland last month and Neuer has taken over as captain.



Schweinsteiger last pulled on a United shirt in the Premier League in the Manchester derby in March before injury ended his first season in England, following 17 years with Bayern.

Neuer is not the only one calling for Schweinsteiger to be given a chance at Old Trafford, as Manchester United -- seventh in the Premier League -- prepare to host neighbours City in the English League Cup on Wednesday.

Ex-Germany striker Lukas Podolski wrote "Schweinsteiger please" on Twitter when United were 3-0 down at Chelsea.