Bastian Schweinsteiger has recalled an incident from his brief spell at Manchester United, in which he angered David De Gea by claiming that his German teammate Manuel Neuer was a better stopper.
The midfielder joined United in 2015 from Bayern Munich, lasting only 18 months at Old Trafford before being transferred to MLS side Chicago Fire.
However, while there, Schweinsteiger recalls a fascinating handful of conversations that he had with Spanish goalkeeper De Gea.
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The 30-year-old is alleged to have asked his new teammate who was better out of himself and Neuer - although in hindsight, De Gea may wish that he never bothered.
"When I first came to Manchester United De Gea said "tell me, am I better than Neuer?' I was like 'no, you're not. It is a different level," Schweinsteiger told BBC 5Live.
"He was angry, but I explained why. Whenever he had a great game he would ask me again, I would still say he wasn't on that level."
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Schweinsteiger played alongside Neuer for both Germany and Bayern Munich, with the commanding keeper central to Die Mannschaft's 2014 World Cup win. Given all that the pair won together, his response isn't exactly a shocking one.
Looking ahead to more pressing issues, the Bayern legend also isn't convinced that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side can get the better of arch-rivals Liverpool this afternoon.
Schweinsteiger was part of a United side that beat the Reds 3-1 back in 2015, but six years on, the pendulum has very much swung in Jurgen Klopp's men's favour.
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"Manchester United are still in progress. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keeps mentioning that. It takes too long though for me in my eyes," the 37-year-old added.
"If you look at Manchester City or Chelsea and the impact that Thomas Tuchel had on them - it was unbelievable.
"He knew exactly what the players needed to perform and they have a strategy and a DNA. They have more in their game.
"The experience of Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane will definitely help the team, but the question is how much are they involved in the tactics of the team."
Featured Image Credit:Topics:Β David De Gea, Manchester United, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany, Bayern Munich, Manuel Neuer