He’s back!
More than eight months after his last appearance for Manchester United, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s feet graced the Old Trafford turf once more as he came off the bench towards the end of the Red Devils’ 4-1 victory over West Ham on Wednesday night.
The veteran midfielder, who was told in no uncertain terms by Jose Mourinho that he had no future at the club, was given a rare chance when he replaced Anthony Martial with five minutes remaining.
The ovation Schweinsteiger received was just as loud as the roars that accompanied each of the four goals scored by the home side as United supporters were thrilled to see the World Cup winner, who has been nothing but professional and supportive in spite of the lack of opportunities afforded to him this season, return to the fold.
What a reception for Schweinsteiger. pic.twitter.com/cRz06WqNb3
— Darragh Murphy (@DarrMurphy) November 30, 2016
Schweinsteiger couldn’t help but smile on the sidelines as his fans welcomed him back and, even if his return proves short-lived, it got goosebumps raised and tears swelling on the terraces because the 32-year-old remains a fan favourite at United.
And those watching at home were just as emotional at the sight of a legend whose work in training and admirable attitude meant he was impossible to ignore.
tears in my eyes, basti coming on😭❤️️
— Muhammed (@_manrabs) November 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/JohnOBoyle2/status/804078358090960907
BASTI THIS IS HAPPENING, ITS REALLY HAPPENING
— Mort (@ryanmorton17) November 30, 2016
Basti😍 I've missed you
— Inskip (@InskipJosh) November 30, 2016
Seeing Basti come on makes me happy!
— Jordan Forster (@Jordanforster36) November 30, 2016
@BSchweinsteiger no one deserves to be on the pitch more! Great attitude and we love you, Basti!
— Saboteurbot 🤖🔶 (@MrLeeTibi) November 30, 2016
Basti is back!!! 😊 #MUFC #MUNWHU
— KayDee (@KayDeeMike) November 30, 2016
That ovation for Basti… 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 rotate him with Carrick for the rest of the season! #DeutscherFußballMeister
— Scott K スコット #GlazersOut🔰 (@SC07TK) November 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/Perfection7/status/804079591656738824
Great to see Basti back on the pitch
— Josh Roper (@Josh_Roper) November 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/DailyBIind/status/804079462425985024
Schweinsteiger. I'm crying
— On Hiatus (@Grie7mann) November 30, 2016
Swear I can feel a tear every time schweinsteiger touches the ball
— ZK (@ZK1205) November 30, 2016
I'm smiling like a fool with a tear in my eye #Schweinsteiger
— Aaron Newton (@ProspektNelson) November 30, 2016
Catch up with this week’s episode of Football Friday Live