Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho treatment of Bastian Schweinsteiger 'perverse,' says Per Mertesacker

The 32-year-old has been forced to train with the United Under-23s team

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Getty)

Per Mertesacker has branded Bastian Schweinsteiger’s treatment by Jose Mourinho as “perverse” as the former Germany international’s Manchester United exile continues.

The 32-year-old has been forced to train with the Under-23s as Mourinho exerts his authority at Old Trafford after replacing Louis van Gaal but Mertesacker, who won the World Cup alongside Schweinsteiger in 2014, has attacked the decision.

“It’s bad luck for him that he joined a club that has again changed its manager, and that the new manager doesn’t want him,” Mertesacker told Kicker.

“It can happen to you at any time in this business, and it’s a bit perverse, but Basti signed a good contract, and he knew where he was going.

“He just had bad luck with the way it worked out. He will draw his conclusions and I wish him all the best.”

Lukas Podolski, meanwhile, spent most of his 129 Germany caps lining up alongside Schweinsteiger and the 31-year-old is unhappy with the perceived lack of respect shown to his friend by Mourinho.

“When you look at the career Bastian has had, I can only say that what is happening there is simply not right for a player of his stature. I do not know what Mourinho has discussed with Bastian.

“But is clear that it is not okay to drop someone like Basti to the reserves. A coach should always keep his door open to all players, and especially to players like Schweini.”