Bastian Schweinsteiger joining Manchester United would not surprise me says ex-teammate Roy Makaay

Former Bayern Munich striker Roy Makaay believes the relationship between Bastian Schweinsteiger and Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal could result in the Bayern Munich midfielder moving to Old Trafford.

Schweinsteiger, 30, worked under Van Gaal during the Dutchman's spell in charge of the Bundesliga giants between 2009 and 2011, helping transform him from a winger into one of the most formidable central midfielders in European football.

And while ex-Netherlands striker Makaay hopes to see the Germany international see out the remainder of his career at the Allianz Arena, he can see him reuniting with his former boss if he does decide to leave.

"He's an amazing player, a world champion," Makaay told Goal. "If you saw him at the World Cup final he was bleeding everywhere but he came back on the pitch.

"He and Van Gaal had a good relationship so it wouldn't surprise me [if he joined United]. I hope he stays at Bayern. He's a kid from the club and he has to stay there. But if he decides to move it wouldn't be a surprise if he changed to Man United knowing the good relationship he has with the manager.

"When you listen to Van Gaal, there were players he had a good relationship with. Thomas Muller [is one], but he was quite clear and said 'I'm going to stay at Bayern' and Schweinsteiger, I don't know what's going to happen.

"I know they had a good relationship so if he decides to change it wouldn't be a big surprise if he changes for here. When we speak about experience, he has that experience. But I hope he stays at Bayern because he is still important for Bayern."

On 10 June, Bayern CEO Karl Heinz-Rummenigge admitted the club will not stand in Schweinsteiger's way if he wants to leave this summer, although he insisted the only way that would happen was if the midfielder requested a transfer himself.

In response, Schweinsteiger later said he will sit down with the club in the coming weeks in order to discuss his future.