Manchester United's transfer strategy under former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has often been scrutinised, but few missteps were as glaring as the Bastian Schweinsteiger saga. The German World Cup winner arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations in 2015, only to become a symbol of the club's recruitment failures.
A High-Profile Gamble Gone Wrong
When Schweinsteiger signed from Bayern Munich for £6.5 million, fans dreamed of midfield dominance. Instead, they witnessed a rapid decline as injuries and fitness issues plagued the veteran. Within months, then-manager Louis van Gaal reportedly regretted the signing, with the player struggling to adapt to the Premier League's intensity.
Woodward's Questionable Strategy
Insiders reveal Woodward pushed for the deal primarily for commercial reasons, valuing Schweinsteiger's global profile over footballing fit. This approach typified United's post-Ferguson era - prioritising marketability over squad cohesion. The German made just 18 Premier League starts before being exiled by José Mourinho.
The Costly Aftermath
- United paid £200,000 weekly wages for minimal contribution
- Failed to recoup any transfer fee when Schweinsteiger left for Chicago Fire
- Damaged reputation for handling veteran players
This transfer remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritising brand over football fundamentals - a lesson United appear to have learned in recent windows.
