Schweinsteiger confirms Man Utd switch

Bastian Schweinsteiger confirmed Sunday he will quit Bayern Munich for Manchester United, subject to a medical, as the German champions lost twice in their first pre-season tournament without him.

Bayern announced on Saturday that they had agreed a transfer fee with United for the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, who is set to quit after 17 years to sign a three-year deal with the English club.

Schweinsteiger tweeted a picture of himself on a plane on Sunday with the caption: "One last dream in my career will come true. I'm excited about the next chapter in my career with Manchester United".

"Dear fans, after 17 incredible years at FC Bayern, 15 national titles, winning the historical triple and uncountable other highlights, I have decided to take a new career step," wrote Schweinsteiger on his Facebook page.

"This decision was very hard to make because you and FC Bayern have, are and will always be an extremely important part of my life.
"Nevertheless, I would like to again gain experience at a new club and my destination is Manchester United.

"I hope you understand my decision. No one can take away the incredible journey we had together."

He will be the first German to play for United.

According to both the German and UK media, United will pay Bayern around £14m (19.47m euros, $21.72m) and will see Schweinsteiger work again under former Bayern coach and present Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The English giants are reported to be eager to complete the deal soon so that Schweinsteiger can join them when they fly out on their north American tour on Monday and he was due to have a medical on Sunday.

- Bayern struggle -

Meanwhile Bayern struggled to pick up the pieces without their midfield dynamo.
They lost 2-1 to Augsburg in the semi-finals of a pre-season tournament on Sunday, then lost a penalty shoot-out 4-3 to hosts Moenchengladbach in the third-place play-off to finish last in the four-team event.

Xabi Alonso slotted into Schweinsteiger's vacated midfield role.

Thiago Alcantara gave Bayern an early lead against Augsburg, who then equalised through Alexander Esswein before South Korea defender Hong Jeong-Ho gave his side the winner with a superb header from a corner to shock Bayern.

Munich then lost the shoot-out to Gladbach after their play-off finished goalless.

"It's still in the early stages of pre-season, but Ausgburg play the way they play, which works for them and we didn't play so bad," said Bayern's Germany star Thomas Mueller.

"It's a bit strange, because I only know FC Bayern with Bastian, but that's the business of football.

"Everyone knows what he has done for Bayern Munich, but the friendship will not be forgotten."
Having made 536 appearances for Bayern since his debut in 2002 as an 18-year-old, Schweinsteiger has won all there is to win in Germany.

Bayern's vice-captain collected his eighth Bundesliga winners medal last season and has lifted the German Cup on seven occasions.

He was a key figure in the 2013 treble-winning side which won the Champions League, league and cup crowns.

"He's a great player and there's no need to talk about him as a footballer," said Bayern's Brazil international Rafinha.

"He was a leader for us and everyone here is sad that he's going, but I hope he has a lot of success at Manchester United."

Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski echoed Rafinha's sentiments by wishing his ex-team-mate "all the best" at United.

Despite his departure Munich will still be able to boast the likes of Spain stars Xabi Alonso, Thiago and Javi Martinez in their central midfield.

They have also signed Brazil winger Douglas Costa and Germany Under-19 midfield talent Joshua Kimmich for next season.
Source: AFP