Morgan Schneiderlin has opened up about his regret over his failed spell at Manchester United, admitting he is “mad” at himself for not fulfilling his potential at Old Trafford. The former Southampton midfielder joined the Red Devils for £27million in July 2015, dreaming of becoming a club legend, but his career quickly unravelled after Jose Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal as manager.
Schneiderlin played regularly under Van Gaal in his first season but featured for only 147 minutes in the 2016/17 campaign under Mourinho. He was sold to Everton in January 2017 after just 18 months at United. The Frenchman told the Daily Mail last year: “When I signed, I wanted to be a legend there. That is why I am mad with myself and it will be hard until the end of my life.”
He added: “I know if I played to my full potential, with freedom, I would not be in Australia right now. Maybe I would still be at Manchester United.” Schneiderlin left Everton in 2020 for Nice, then had a loan spell at Western Sydney Wanderers before retiring in August 2023 after a brief stint with Greek side A.E. Kifisia. He ended his career with 15 France caps, having played at the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Euros.
Despite his disappointment, Schneiderlin won three trophies at United: the FA Cup, Community Shield and Europa League. However, he insists the regret of not reaching his peak at the club will stay with him forever. “Not being able to reach that level will stay with me forever,” he said.
