Euro 2016

Franz Beckenbauer: 'Bastian Schweinsteiger better away from Manchester United'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 June 2016

Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer claims that Bastian Schweinsteiger is more comfortable with the national team as he is away from his "problems" at Manchester United.

Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has claimed that Bastian Schweinsteiger is more comfortable with the national team than he is at club side Manchester United.

Schweinsteiger was something of a surprise inclusion in the Germany squad for Euro 2016 this summer having suffered a disappointing debut season at Old Trafford, starting just 13 Premier League games all term and only one since the turn of the year.

However, the 31-year-old came off the bench to make his 115th appearance for his country during their 2-0 win over Hungary on Saturday - his first outing since March - and Beckenbauer believes that he is benefiting from being away from his "problems" at United.

"He showed great joy of playing and also spiritual motivation," Beckenbauer told Bild.

"We all know how strong his will can be. We all remember his bloody face in the last minutes of World Cup final. This we will see again.

"Why? Because he is away from the problems at Manchester. I guess he is feeling really comfortable in the Germany squad."

Reports have suggested that new United boss Jose Mourinho is looking to offload Schweinsteiger this summer.