BAYERN MUNICH LEGEND Franz Beckenbauer has advised midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger against joining Manchester United.
Schweinsteiger still has a year to run on his current contract with the Bundesliga champions but has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
On Wednesday, Lothar Matthaus urged the 30-year-old to join United, arguing that the Germany international no longer retains the confidence of Bayern boss Pep Guardiola and would be allowed to play in his preferred position by Red Devils coach Louis van Gaal.
However, Beckenbauer fears that the injury-prone Schweinsteiger would struggle to cope with the rigours of the Premier League.
“Adapting to a different European league is difficult at his age,” the 1974 World Cup winner told Bild.
“He has played with great force and put a lot of pressure on his body for many years. That saps energy. He could end his career in the USA instead.
“If I was at Schweini’s place, I would stay one or two years more at Bayern. Until then, he can still perform at the highest level.”
Meanwhile, former Bayern boss Ottmar Hitzfeld believes it is imperative that Schweinsteiger finds out if he is still considered a major player at the Allianz Arena before he makes a decision on his future.
“It’s important he speaks with the coach,” he stated. “Of course, Bastian has to know if and how Guardiola plans to handle him.”
