United complete Schweinsteiger signing

Manchester United have completed the signing of Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich on a three-year deal.

On Saturday, both clubs revealed a deal had been agreed and on Monday the midfielder’s move to United was confirmed in a huge coup for the Premier League side.

Schweinsteiger, 30, heads to Old Trafford after a trophy-laden spell at Bayern, where he started as a youth player in 1998. He was reported to have told the Bundesliga giants he would not extend his stay beyond the end of his contract, which had just one more season to run.

He told United’s official website: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bayern Munich, it has been an incredible journey and I didn’t take the decision to leave lightly.

“Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for. I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again.

“I will never forget my time at Bayern Munich and I would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans for the great memories.”

Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian have so far joined Louis van Gaal’s side during the transfer window, and the signing of Schweinsteiger is another huge statement of intent, with more big names expected to follow.

The 111-cap international has won eight Bundesliga titles – one of which came under Van Gaal in 2010 – and the UEFA Champions League, while he was also a World Cup winner in 2014.

United finished fourth in the Premier League last season, but they will hope that the additions of Schweinsteiger, Darmian and Depay can propel them to an even better 2015-16 campaign.

Van Gaal said: “Bastian is, of course, no stranger to me.

“I worked with him during my time at Bayern Munich and I am truly delighted he is joining Manchester United.

“His record speaks for itself; he has won every honour at club level and was a major part of the successful Germany World Cup-winning team last summer. 

“Bastian is the ultimate professional and there is no doubting his talent and his ability to control games. He brings a wealth of experience and is an excellent addition to our squad.”