Jose Mourinho has opted to leave out Bastian Schweinsteiger from the 27-member Manchester United squad for Uefa Europa League. The former Bayern Munich star's name did not feature in the list submitted to the governing body of European football, reports Manchester Evening News.
While doubts were looming over his future at Old Trafford, the former Germany captain, found a place in the Premier League squad announced on Friday. However, Mourinho, who has not fielded Schweinsteiger since he took over at United, has maintained that it would be difficult for the World Cup winner to make it to the playing XI.
With Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Morgan Schneiderlin fighting for two midfield positions, Schweinsteiger's chances of making a comeback into the first team looks bleak.
The 32-year-old, who retired from international football after getting an emotional reception from fans during the friendly fixture against Finland at the Borussia Park on 31 August, refused to listen to offers despite being asked to train with the reserves at United.
Mourinho had said he had no problems in having Schweinsteiger at Old Trafford and he would respect the midfielder's decision.
"I cannot answer for him. It's his life. It's his career. He has a contract and has the right to make that decision to stay. That's not a problem for us," the newly appointed manager was quoted as saying by BBC.
United will kickstart their Europa League campaign on 15 September against Dutch team Feyenoord away from home. They will also face Turkey's Fenerbahce and Ukraine's Zorya in the group stages.
