Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says he cannot understand Jose Mourinho's decision to demote Bastian Schweinsteiger to the Manchester United reserves.
Schweinsteiger, 32, has been told he has no future at United and the former Germany captain now seems set for another move only one year after arriving from Bayern.
Neuer, who played alongside Schweinsteiger for club and country, told Die Welt: "Basti is a super player.
"He's an important man with a lot of experience who is very important for the team, so I just can't understand this decision."
Mourinho's decision to demote Schweinsteiger prompted strong criticism from Dejan Stefanovic of world players' union FIFPro, although Stefanovic has since apologised for suggesting the United boss should be sent to prison for his actions, saying his comments had been misinterpreted.
Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also hit out at Mourinho, saying he "could hardly believe" the situation.
World Cup winner Schweinsteiger is reportedly attracting widespread interest, including from Premier League clubs, and United are said to be confident of selling the midfielder, who retired from international duty following this summer's European Championship.