Manchester United flop scuppered ex-Newcastle star’s dream MLS move

Newcastle United cult hero Ryan Taylor has revealed Bastian Schweinsteiger’s Old Trafford exit ruined a potential move to Chicago Fire.

Six years ago, Manchester United were on the verge of cutting ties with one of their most disappointing signings in recent years. While Schweinsteiger, signed by Jose Mourinho, only cost £6.5million, just 18 Premier League appearances - most coming from the bench - in two years failed to justify the initial hype.

Supporters believed they had finally found their Paul Scholes replacement when Schweinsteiger joined the club. An illustrious career for club and country, decorated with Champions Leagues and World Cups, was meant to instil a winning mentality at United.

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But as has often been the case in recent years, the move did not work out and the German was offloaded. Chicago Fire were the beneficiaries and he ultimately finished his career there in 2019.

From Taylor’s perspective, Schweinsteiger crushed his dream move abroad. He, too, was coming to the end of his playing days and his contract at Port Vale was expiring.

The former Newcastle man shared how Chicago pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute. Taylor told Ladbrokes Fanzone: "I was a free agent following my time with Port Vale, so I was looking to try and get a move somewhere.

“I was around 33 or 34 at the time and, I'm not sure how many people know this, but I actually went to Chicago with the intention of moving there. Chicago Fire flew me out and I was basically ready to sign for them.

I can't even remember how the move came about, or who sorted it out, but I went to Chicago and,