Monday 13 July 2015 23:12, UK
Manchester United have completed the double signing of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin.
World Cup winner Schweinsteiger cost United around £14.5m and has signed a three-year contract at Old Trafford while Schneiderlin - who was playing League One football with Southampton six years ago - has signed a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Schweinsteiger had been on Bayern Munich's books for 17 years and won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during a trophy-laden spell that saw him win every major domestic honour.
The 30-year-old told the club's official website: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bayern Munich, it has been an incredible journey and I didn't take the decision to leave lightly.
"Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for. I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again.
"I will never forget my time at Bayern Munich and I would like to thank everyone at the club and the fans for the great memories."
Louis van Gaal said: "Bastian is, of course, no stranger to me. I worked with him during my time at Bayern Munich and I am truly delighted he is joining Manchester United.
"His record speaks for itself; he has won every honour at club level and was a major part of the successful Germany World Cup-winning team last summer.
"Bastian is the ultimate professional and there is no doubting his talent and his ability to control games. He brings a wealth of experience and is an excellent addition to our squad."
Schweinsteiger, who has won 111 caps for his country, and Schneiderlin will join the rest of their new United team-mates - including Dutchman Memphis Depay and defender Matteo Darmian - who fly out for a pre-season tour of the United States on Monday afternoon.
Regarding his move to Manchester, Schneiderlin said: "Once I learned United were interested in me, it was a very easy decision to make.
"I have enjoyed seven very happy years with Southampton and it’s a club that will always be in my heart. But the chance to be part of this squad to help this great club be successful was too good to miss."
Van Gaal added: “Morgan is a very talented player with great energy and ability. His skills will complement the players that we already have and I am very pleased that we have been able to complete this deal before the tour to the United States.
"That training camp will be very important in our preparations for the new season and gives Morgan and the other players a chance to show our fans what they can achieve together.”
David de Gea will also be on the plane; United have not received an offer from Real Madrid for their goalkeeper, and it is understood they are not prepared to sanction a deal unless Sergio Ramos moves the other way.
