Despite limiting his appearances to just 15 Bundesliga matches last season at Bayern Munich, following his success for Germany at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil, Bastian Schweinsteiger has insisted that there should be no injury concerns as he prepares for the season ahead with United.
Instead the 30-year-old said that he is in great condition and has put his injuries last season behind him.
“Of course, I had a tough World Cup so after that I was injured until I think end of October,” Schweinsteiger told MUTV ahead of flying out to the United States with his new team-mates for the pre-season tour.
“But then I had great weeks and months with Bayern, I was not injured and I am feeling great now at the moment.
“Everything is fine and I’m looking forward to giving my best for Manchester United and I’m really happy to be here.”
He went on to say that it was Manchester United’s history and the experience of having played at Old Trafford that made him decide to join the club.
“Manchester United is a big club with a lot of tradition and it’s exactly what I wanted,” he added. “We have the same philosophy.
“I’m here to win titles and that’s what United is used to, too. I’m looking forward to playing in the jersey. It was one of my dreams in my career to be here in Manchester and play for United.
“I know him (Van Gaal), so it was a little bit easier, but it’s not about him, it’s more about the club, such a big club with tradition and, with this quality in the team, we can win titles next season.
“I’m looking forward to that moment in the jersey and to play for the team and the great supporters.
“Every time you play here – I think I’ve played twice at Old Trafford – it was always an unbelievable atmosphere.
“I remember we lost 3-2 here but we moved on to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and after the game, the supporters gave us applause.
“So they are very respectful and I like that a lot, and I am looking forward to playing for the club, but especially for the supporters.”
Before signing a three-year deal the German international who turns 31 next month spoke to other German’s in the Premier League before making a decision.
“I’ve watched a lot of the Premier League.”
“There were some German players playing here. Lukas Podolski, who was at Arsenal, is a friend of mine, and we talked about the Premier League.
“Every game is interesting and every game is tough, so I’m looking forward to playing those games at that high level, and I think we have a good team and can do a great job.”
Schweinsteiger also poked fun at himself when he found out that he would be the first ever German to play for the Red Devils.
“It’s a big honour. I just joked a little bit with Wayne (Rooney) that I’m the first – I think you call the Germans ‘Kraut’ – Is it true? Yes?
“So I said to him, ‘I’m the first one here!’ It’s a big honour to be the first German player here, in the first team, and it’s a great feeling.
“That’s very important, I think. Even now, I can say that the dressing room has a great atmosphere, the people are very friendly, so I think we will have a great atmosphere on the trip (to the US).
“It’s my first American trip, because we always went to Asia in the past with Bayern Munich, so now I’m going to America and looking forward to the reaction there.
“Of course it’s important to have a good preparation and get ready for the qualification games (Champions League) at the start of the season.”
