Boss Makes Pledge To Basti

Jose Mourinho has promised Bastian Schweinsteiger he can work his way into the Manchester United manager's Premier League plans.

The boss was interviewed by BBC Sport ahead of the Emirates FA Cup tie with Wigan Athletic and quizzed on the selection of Luke Shaw and German star Schweinsteiger in his line-up. 

"Luke is normal - he was injured and he's been training to be back in the team so it's a normal opportunity for him," said the boss.

"Basti may be a surprise for some as we made that decision not to have him in the squad for a couple of months. Since the moment he's been back with the team, he's fighting also for his chances with so many matches as we have now. We've the postponed match [at Manchester City] because of the EFL Cup final, the Europa League and the fact that Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay left the club. 

"The squad is shorter and we need him. Today is an opportunity for him to play and show that he is ready - even for the Premier League."

Schweinsteiger certainly impressed on Sunday, earning the Man of the Match award from the fans on Twitter, scoring and assisting the key opening goal by Marouane Fellaini. The German picked up 70 per cent of the vote to beat off competition from the other nominees Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

After the game, Mourinho confirmed in his press conference that the former Bayern Munich man would be drafted into his Europa League squad.

"He is staying and he is going on the Europa League list because we opened spaces with Depay and Schneiderlin leaving," the manager said. "We don’t have many players; in midfield we don’t have many options, so obviously he is an option. 

"Ninety minutes today was probably too hard for him but it was important for him to have an impact with his volley and now I think he’s happy. If he was a good professional when he was not playing, now he’s having some minutes and opportunities he’s going to be the same good professional. With so many matches and competitions, he’s going to be an option."