`Very difficult` for Bastian Schweinsteiger to play at Manchester United: Jose Mourinho

Johannesburg: Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that it will be overy difficulto for out-of-favour Bastian Schweinsteiger to play at Old Trafford this season.

The 32-year-old midfielder, who endured an injured-plagued first season, is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Old Trafford club since Mourinho took over the team this summer.

Earlier this week, German midfielder Schweinsteiger had stated he has no desire to leave Old Trafford, insisting that United would be his ælast club in EuropeÆ and that he will be ready if the team require his services.

Amid increasing speculation surrounding his possible exit, Mourinho hammered the final nail in the coffin saying SchweinsteigerÆs playing chances are less while pointing out his arsenal of midfielders comprising Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick, Sport24 reported.

However, Mourinho didnÆt rule out the GermanÆs chances completely saying, oI`m not saying it`s impossible.

I`m saying it`s very difficult.oHe also hinted that even players in the club`s academy could get nod ahead of Schweinsteiger this season.

Schweinsteiger had recently called curtains on his international career following some below-par performances for Germany at Euro 2016 last month.

He had spent 13 years as a first-team player at Bayern and won eight Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups and the 2012-13 Champions League.