Gundogan shocked by Schweini treatment

Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan believes Manchester United are missing a trick by not playing compatriot Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Gundogan arrived at the Etihad in the summer from Borussia Dortmund and after recovering from injury, appears to have settled in nicely under Pep Guardiola.

In contrast, Schweinsteiger has struggled after joining United in 2015 and has been all but cast aside by Jose Mourinho this season.

To his credit, the 31-year-old has continued to work hard and has vowed to keep himself in shape to ensure he is ready when required.

Despite losing last weekend at Tottenham, City currently lead the Premier League standings following an impressive start to the season, while United are yet to ignite.

Part of their issue has been a lack of balance in midfield and Gundogan has been surprised that his compatriot has not been allowed to show he can help provide a solution.

The 25-year-old has been given the job of replacing Schweinsteiger in the Germany engine room during the ongoing 2018 World Cup qualifiers, with his side set to face the Czech Republic on Saturday and Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

Referring to domestic matters, the playmaker admits he has been baffled by his former national team colleague’s treatment at Old Trafford, insisting he could be the answer to their problems.

“I believe that Manchester United could 100 percent benefit from a fit Bastian Schweinsteiger,” Gundogan told Sport Bild magazine. “He’s not just some player, and also not only 18 or 19.”

City are the 1.83 favourites to win the Premier League, with United currently fifth in the betting at 15.00.