Schweinsteiger to join Chicago Fire

Manchester United have announced that Bastian Schweinsteiger will be leaving the club for MLS side Chicago Fire, subject to a medical and visa.

The World Cup winner joined United from Bayern Munich in July 2015 but struggled to make an impact after his arrival at Old Trafford.

His first season under Louis van Gaal was blighted by injury problems and he was made surplus to requirements under José Mourinho this season – being sent to train with the under-23 side and was even written off as an asset by United in their financial statements late last year.

However, Mourinho brought Schweinsteiger back into the fold, giving him his first appearance of the season in November as United beat West Ham in the EFL Cup. He made a further three appearances – scoring one goal – with his last coming against Saint-Etienne in the Europa League last month.

In a statement on the official website, the former German international said:

I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United. But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire.

I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future. But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans – whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.

I was delighted to be part of the squad that won the FA Cup for them last season and will always remember their energy and their passion. Now is the right time for me to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it.

Schweinsteiger had held talks with the Fire at the tail end of last year, but the 32-year-old opted to stay and fight for his place with United after the January transfer window.

However, with the Fire wanting to get the deal over the line and Schweinsteiger unlikely to play a huge part during the remainder of the season for United, both parties have agreed to the move.

Twitter: Thanks to all fans, the whole staff and my teammates of @ManUtd! I will never forget my time with the club, but now… https://t.co/w6hSUsGTDl (@BSchweinsteiger)