Manchester United news: Ilkay Gundogan comes out in support of Bastian Schweinsteiger after ‘disrespectful’ treatment during his time with Manchester United

ILKAY GUNDOGAN has labelled Bastian Schweinsteiger's treatment at Manchester United as 'disrespectful'.

The German legend, 32, has been ostracised from Jose Mourinho's first team by the new boss - and even made to train with the reserves.

And Gundogan - a team-mate of Schweinsteiger with the national team - believes the treatment is not fitting of a World Cup winner.

The Manchester City midfielder said: "I believe that Manchester United could 100 percent benefit from a fit Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"If everything you hear and read is true, you can consider it disrespectful. He’s not just some player, and also not only 18 or 19."

Schweinsteiger retired from the international scene against Finland in August and Gundogan believes that he is the natural successor to fill that important midfield role.

He continued: "I trusted myself to do that before [Schweinsteiger’s retirement], but this has nothing to do with saying his retirement is positive or negative.

“We should be thankful that we had such a great player.”

Despite being frozen out at Old Trafford, Schweinsteiger has ruled out a move to another European club.

United are next in action against Liverpool after the international break.

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