Franz Beckenbauer urges Bastian Schweinsteiger to reconsider Manchester United move

Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has urged Bastian Schweinsteiger to reconsider moving to Manchester United at his age, as he will not be able to cope with the rigours of the Premier League.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to reunite with Louis van Gaal, but at 30, he does not have the tenacity nor the stamina to fight it out in what is arguably the most physically demanding league in the world.

United are in the market for a holding midfielder and have been linked with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Morgan Schneiderlin for a move in the summer.

However, Van Gaal is looking to add some much needed experience to the squad and Schweinsteiger's reported availability has interested the former Bavarian manager. The player has only a year to run on his current contract and is likely to hold talks with manager Pep Guardiola over his long-term future before signing an extension, if at all.

Beckenbauer's views come in stark contrast to that of Lothar Matthaus, who has urged the player to sign for United and spend the dying embers of his professional career at the highest level.

"Adapting to a different European league is difficult at his age," Beckenbauer said, as quoted by Goal.com.

"He has played with great force and put a lot of pressure on his body for many years. That saps energy. He could end his career in the USA instead.

"If I was at Schweini's place, I would stay one or two years more at Bayern. Until then, he can still perform at the highest level," he added.

The Red Devils currently have Michael Carrick in that position but need further cover, given the England international has entered his mid thirties and has been blighted by a series of injuries last season.