Schweinsteiger agrees Chicago Fire move

Manchester United have confirmed a deal has been agreed for midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger to join Chicago Fire, subject to a medical and visa.

The German World Cup winner has struggled for opportunities since moving to Old Trafford in 2015 and has made only four appearances this season.

"I am sad to leave so many friends at Manchester United," Schweinsteiger told the club's official website. "But I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to take up the challenge at Chicago Fire.

"I have enjoyed working with the manager, the players and staff here and wish them all the best in the future.

"But I have to reserve special thanks to the United fans, whose support has been a very special part of my time in Manchester.

"I was delighted to be part of the squad that won the FA Cup for them last season and will always remember their energy and their passion.

"Now is the right time for me to start a new chapter in Chicago and I am looking forward to it."

Announcing the deal to sign Schweinsteiger, Chicago Fire’s general manager Nelson Rodriguez said: “We’re getting a player who has won things at every level and who fits in with the values of this club.”

Head coach Veljko Paunovic added: “He can create things like few other players in the world. He sees things that nobody else sees.”

Schweinsteiger arrived at Old Trafford to much fanfare after 13 illustrious years at Bayern Munich, but struggled for form and fitness under Louis van Gaal before falling out of favour under successor Jose Mourinho.