'Schweinsteiger should leave Bayern for Manchester United'

Lothar Matthaus believes that the 30-year-old would be allowed to play in his preferred position under Louis van Gaal after falling down the pecking order at Allianz Arena

Lothar Matthaus has urged Bastian Schweinsteiger to leave Bayern Munich for Manchester United, arguing that Pep Guardiola no longer has faith in the veteran midfielder.

Schweinsteiger only made 28 appearances for the Bavarians last season, with his campaign having been interrupted by injuries, but the head coach has previously underlined his desire to keep the 30-year-old.

Matthaus thinks Schweinsteiger has fallen behind Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez in the pecking order and should jump at the opportunity to move to Old Trafford if a bid materalises.

"I can understand that Schweinsteiger is wondering about his future," the former Bayern ace wrote in his column in SportBild.

"Bastian announced that he wants to play football on the highest level until 2018. But in the way he was used at Bayern recently, I think this is impossible.

"There is no doubt he is intelligent enough and has the right overview to further take over the role as a conductor in the holding midfield.

"But it would be required to build the team around him, as is the case with Andrea Pirlo at Juventus. With Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal alongside Pirlo, there are two players who run and fight for him.

"But Pep Guardiola showed in the last 12 months that he is not that convinced of Schweinsteiger any more. He preferred Xabi Alonso.

"While the Spaniard played as the central midifelder in the important games, Schweinsteiger had to deal with other positions. Bastian never was the fastest and he won't get faster with age.

"Had Thiago and Javi Martinez been fit last season, Schweinsteiger would not have played in important games anymore!"

While there has been talk of Schweinsteiger - who still has a year to run on his Bayern contract - continuing his career in MLS, Matthaus feels that his fellow World Cup winner should seek a move to Old Trafford.

"A switch to the USA would threaten Schweinsteiger's participation at the European Championships in France next year," the Italia 90 hero added.

"In the last stage of his career, Schweinsteiger needs a coach who fully trusts him and will tune the system around him.

"If Schweinsteiger gets an offer from a top European club, I would advise him a transfer in the summer.

"If the rumours are true that Louis van Gaal wants to bring him to Manchester United, Schweinsteiger should think about that carefully. If Van Gaal wants him, he will let him play where his strengths are."