Manchester United tell Bastian Schweinsteiger he can leave Old Trafford in January
Germany international says he is available if United need him, but has been frozen out since Jose Mourinho took over as manager
Sponsored by
MANCHESTER UNITED have told Bastian Schweinsteiger he is free to find a new club in January.
The German has been frozen out under Jose Mourinho, so the latest move doesn't come as too much of a surprise.
Schweinsteiger was forced by Mourinho to train with the United reserves until he was invited back into first-team training last week.
But this is only with a view to getting his fitness up ahead of a January move, it has been claimed.
A number of parties are already interested, with Stuttgart winger Kevin Grosskreutz saying he expects the club to show an interest in January.
But Schweinsteiger's preferred destination could be the MLS, especially since Stuttgart are now in the German second tier.
Last week he met in a restaurant with Chicago Fire boss Veljko Paunovic.
However, the former Bayern Munich man has not ruled out playing again at Old Trafford if Mourinho has a change of heart.
Reaffirming that he's ready to play if called upon, he told Sky Sports: "I'm trying to keep myself fit for the situation in which I am needed.
"Hopefully I will be given a chance. I look forward to training every day, and being able to train with the team. I don't know if I will get a chance, but I hope so.
"I still feel fit at 32 and certainly want to play more years at the top level and of course I want to win things.
"We won the FA Cup last year and that was also one of my aims. Of course it would be great to play for United in the Premier League and perhaps win it.
Keep up to date with ALL the Manchester United news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
"If I am needed, I will give everything - I am ready."
The World Cup winner has impressed fans and team-mates alike with his attitude and Juan Mata said the entire squad is pleased to see him back in training.
And Schweinsteiger added: "I'm not one to think of burying my head in the sand - I've always been a positive person and still am now.
"My rhythm is good - of course it's different when you play each weekend compared with when you are only training - but I enjoy my football."