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London - Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes bringing Bastian Schweinsteiger back to train with the first team is mutually beneficial.
The German midfielder had been forced to train with the U21s and U23s, and was omitted from the Red Devils' Europa League squad, as he seemed to be surplus to requirements.
However, Mourinho has opted to bring him back into training, potentially to provide another option in midfield.
"Schweinsteiger is back," Mourinho told a press conference. "It was based on the fact we are in this time of the season where it is hard to train with all the players.
"So to do the tactical sessions I want to do you need a certain number of players, but the group shrinks when people are injured or recovering, many times we go to the Academy to bring young boys to have a group of the perfect numbers to train.
"Looking at Bastian and the way he was working professionally with the fitness coach, we think that it is a human and professional decision to bring him back to the team, and he will be much better prepared in case his future decision is to leave the club.
"If he stays with us he becomes one more option. In this moment we have no problems in midfield like we do in defence, but if we do he is one more option."
Former Germany captain, Schweinsteiger's former national team-mate Manuel Neur recently urged Manchester United to consider the 32-year-old for selection saying that he still considered him to be one of the world's best midfielders.
"I really hope that Bastian gets some consideration soon, "we all know he's one of the best midfielders in the world. He belongs on the field for Manchester United and not training individually," Neur told Skysports.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was not the only one calling for Schweinsteiger's return as former Germany team-mate, Lukas Podolski took to Twitter to ask for the return of the midfielder.
The former Arsenal attacker also showed his delight upon hearing the news that Schweinsteiger had returned to first team training.
#PoldiKnowsBest ?? pic.twitter.com/FCi3XMeYh5
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) October 31, 2016
Schweinsteiger also deserves credit for the dignified manner in which he carried himself throughout his exclusion from the first team, often posting his best wishes to the team before games.
The German only took to social media on one occasion to clarify his position on his exclusion saying that he would continue to conduct himself professionally and would be available if needed.
He also shared his delight at being involved in training once again.
A brief message to the amazing fans about my current situation. @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/Rf3jLKNwK4
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) August 24, 2016
Manchester derby tonight. Looking forward to the game! Good luck, guys! ???? @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/TVKF3icX7a
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) October 26, 2016
Felt great today! Team is in good shape, results will follow! @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/RIRWaZdmeU
— Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) October 31, 2016
