Wednesday 30 November 2016 19:24, UK
Bastian Schweinsteiger could start his first Manchester United match under Jose Mourinho when West Ham come calling in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, according to Sky sources.
The German has not played a minute of first-team football under Mourinho this season, but Sky Sports News HQ has been told the United manager would have no problem selecting him for Wednesday night's Sky Live game if he sees fit, after naming him on the bench last weekend.
Schweinsteiger was told he had no first-team future when Mourinho arrived at Old Trafford and made to train with the club's youth and reserve players, before being omitted from United's Europa League squad.
The 121-cap former Germany international's position looked increasingly bleak when he was written off as an asset in the club's financial figures for the year ending 30 June 2016.
He was allowed to talk to other clubs about a transfer, amidst interest from the MLS, yet opted to stay in Manchester and await a change in circumstances.
That change came about in recent weeks when Schweinsteiger was recalled to United's first team squad for training, and was named as a substitute for the Premier League draw with West Ham on Saturday.
His attitude and performance has impressed senior figures at the club, so with Paul Pogba and Maroaune Fellaini suspended on Wednesday night, the German could be given the opportunity to start the game.
Mourinho remains highly frustrated that Pogba is suspended after being booked for simulation by referee Jon Moss on Saturday. Pogba appeared to take evasive action to avoid a tackle from Mark Noble, yet was cautioned by the referee for his actions. The decision sparked outrage at the time from Mourinho, who was sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle in frustration.
Fellaini is also suspended for Wednesday night's game after collecting his fifth booking of the season for a challenge on Noble. Michael Carrick is also an option to start the game for United - if it is felt Schweinsteiger does not have high enough fitness levels to be the named in the starting line-up.
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