Football
Kevin Palmer 9y

Bastian Schweinsteiger ready to add to title-winning talent at Man United

Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger insists he still has plenty to offer at the highest level and says he sees title-winning quality players around him at Old Trafford.

Schweinsteiger, who will celebrate his 31st birthday on Aug. 1, struggled with injury concerns last season and started just 15 Bundesliga games for Bayern Munich, sparking suggestions that the veteran performer may struggle to embrace the physical demands of the Premier League following his move to United.

Franz Beckenbauer has publicly questioned whether Schweinsteiger still has what it takes to shine in the Premier League after his move to Manchester United and hinted a move to America's MLS would have been a more sensible option at this stage of his career.

Yet Schweinsteiger told reporters in America that he is convinced he can make a swift impact in the English game, after he completed the first and possibly last transfer of his career last weekend.

"I'm confident I can adjust to the Premier League," Schweinsteiger said. "I am 30. It is a challenge for me, but I feel very good.

"I had last year the thing with my knee after the World Cup, which was very intensive for me and I had a break at October. From that time on I had no injury, I was fit and felt fit at the end.

"Of course sometimes when you are getting older you need a little more time for recovery, maybe half a day more than 20-year-old players, so that's normal.

"Now I feel great and I am ready to go. I want to make a positive impact and I think I can contribute a lot to the team.

"I think I have a lot of experience, especially of the big matches and that is an advantage always. I want to add my quality to United's game. When I see what we do in practice and the quality we have I am sure we have the chance to win titles. I am convinced about that."

Schweinsteiger was responding to comments Beckenbauer made earlier this week, as the German footballing legend hinted that the 2014 World Cup winner may not be equipped to shine in United colours at this belated stage of his career.

"I find it very brave to make a move like this at his age," Beckenbauer said. "People know Schweinsteiger at Bayern and know what he can do. That's not the case in England. He'll have to prove himself all over again.

"Basti is 30 years old. I wish him all the best and hope he can represent German football well in England. Not a lot of players have succeeded in doing so. A move to MLS would have made more sense for me."

Schweinsteiger could be in line to make his first appearance in a United shirt when his new club take on Mexican side Club America in a pre-season friendly in Seattle on Friday.

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