Schweinsteiger returns to Man United bench with Mkhitaryan, but Martial, Shaw left out of squad

BASTIAN Schweinsteiger made a surprise return to the Manchester United bench but Red Devils fans were still up in arms about a different selection from Jose Mourinho.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Wayne Rooney.

BASTIN Schweinsteiger made a surprise return to the Manchester United bench for their Premier League home game against West Ham United, having previously been frozen out by manager Jose Mourinho.

However, Henrikh Mkhitaryan was left out of the starting team despite making an impressive performance against Feyenoord in the Europa League midweek.

Also, underfire winger Anthony Martial and out-of-favour left-back Luke Shaw were not even included in United’s squad.

Yahoo Sport football writer Jordan Clarke wrote on Twitter: “Fellaini & Schweinsteiger both pointless options to have, whilst 20-year-old prospect Anthony Martial rots at home.”

Schweinsteiger is welcomed back.

Schweinsteiger is welcomed back.

The 32-year-old former Germany captain has not played a minute since Mourinho was appointed manager in pre-season.

The Bayern Munich great was omitted from United’s Europa League squad and was also written off as an asset in the club’s financial results for the year ending June 30, 2016.

But he returned to first-team training at the end of October and was named among the substitutes for West Ham’s visit in the absence of Michael Carrick, who is reported to have a muscle strain.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Wayne Rooney on Manchester United’s bench.

Schweinsteiger didn’t feature in the 1-1 draw with the Hammers, but his prepense was definitely felt at the ground.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic even interrupted a post-match interview to call out “bye Schweini,” as the player departed.

“I’m trying to keep myself fit for the situation in which I am needed,” Schweinsteiger said earlier this month.

“Hopefully I will be given a chance. I look forward to training every day and being able to train with the team. I don’t know if I will get a chance, but I hope so.” Despite his exile, Schweinsteiger has continued to attend United’s matches, regularly posting pictures of himself at Old Trafford on social media.

Schweinsteiger, a key figure in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team, joined United from Bayern in 2015 when Louis van Gaal was manager.

Originally published as Schweinsteiger returns to Man United bench with Mkhitaryan, but Martial, Shaw left out of squad