Wednesday 2 November 2016 18:37, UK
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has opened up on his decision to bring Bastian Schweinsteiger back into the first team fold.
The German, who played 31 games last season after signing from Bayern Munich, had been forced to train with the U21s and U23s and was not included in the Europa League squad.
Speaking ahead of United's latest European challenge in Fenerbahce, Mourinho insisted Schweinsteiger's return would help the midfielder whether he decided to remain at Old Trafford in January or not.
"Schweinsteiger is back," said Mourinho. "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."
With United preparing to face Dick Advocaat's Turkish side on Thursday, Mourinho stated how important it was to impress in the Europa League despite having previously criticised Europe's second tier competition.
The Portuguese coach added: "My opinions change because the rules change and the Europa League winner qualifies for the Champions League.
"For the last couple of years the Europa League has new meaning for big teams. I don't change my opinion that big teams belong in the Champions League with the history, but the Europa League is a target because you can qualify for the Champions League."
Mourinho has come under increasing pressure having seen his side slip to eighth in the Premier League, eight points behind the top three after 10 games.
But despite Saturday's goalless draw against Burnley when they failed to convert any of their 37 goal attempts, the players' efforts remain a buoyant force for their manager.
On the challenges of reversing United's fortunes, Mourinho said: "Of course I'm excited and of course I'm not happy with results, that is obvious.
"What I am happy with is the performances. Sometimes you win matches but you feel that the period cannot last forever because the team is not playing well. Other times you have results where you feel the good results have to arrive sooner or later. I have a very good feeling towards the players.
"For me the worst feeling that a manager can have is not the bad result, but having a bad feeling with players, and that I do not have.
"After the bad result against Chelsea the team reacted in an unbelievable way. The number of shots we had in the last match was something absolutely incredible."
