Bastian Schweinsteiger happy he is ‘away from the problems in Manchester’

BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER is playing with a smile on his face again.

And, according to German legend Franz Beckenbauer, it’s all down to being “away from all the problems in Manchester.”

The rejuvenated Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger came on in the second half of  the 2-0 friendly win over Hungary on Saturday – his first appearance since Manchester United’s 1-0 win away to neighbours City in the Premier League in March.

Schweinsteiger, 31, has struggled with a knee ligament injury for much of the year, casting doubt over his ability to participate at Euro 2016.

But his hopes of being involved were boosted at Veltins-Arena against Hungary as Joachim Low’s side seek to add the European Championship to their 2014 World Cup triumph.

And Germany great Beckenbauer, 70, who played in the 1972 European Championship success besides winning the World Cup as both a player and a coach, has welcomed the return to action of Schweinsteiger, while aiming a thinly-veiled jibe at United.

Said The Kaiser: “Bastian has surprised me. He was stronger than expected in his 24 minutes against Hungary. He showed great joy of playing and also spiritual motivation.

“We all know how strong his will can be. We all remember his bloody face in the last minutes of the World Cup final. This we will see again.

“Why? Because he is away from the problems at Manchester. I guess he is feeling really comfortable in the Germany squad.”

Schweinsteiger’s time at Old Trafford has been plaqued by injuries and poor form, and there is speculation that he will be ditched after just one season in England.

Germany’s Euro 2016 campaign begins against Ukraine in Lille on Sunday.