Top 5 players Manchester United must upgrade for Champions League football next year

3. Bastian Schweinsteiger

The German midfielder is in a situation very similar to that of Michael Carrick’s. He is a much better player than Carrick is at this stage in their careers, but he’s still a shell of the player he used to be.

The 31-year-old World Cup winner can be useful against the right competition, but he’s just not a world-class midfielder any longer. He’s much better suited to play against inferior Premier League competition. Like Carrick, he lacks the pace and athleticism to flourish against elite competition.

Unlike Carrick, he could be a useful substitute against tough competition. His experience and ability  to settle games down could be useful in hostile Champions League environments. He shouldn’t be put out for 90 minutes against elite competition, but a 20 minute cameo could be a wise use of his talents.

The moral of the story is that Morgan Schneiderlin needs a more dynamic partner in the double-pivot. Neither Schweinsteiger or Carrick has gotten the job done this season. At Schweinsteiger’s age, it’s unlikely he’s going to see an uptick in performance when he turns 32. Ed Woodward and company will need to find a better partner for Schneiderlin via the transfer market.

Next: 2. Marouane Fellaini