Friday 2 December 2016 18:10, UK
Jose Mourinho has hinted Bastian Schweinsteiger may stay at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window.
The German international had been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the new year after failing to make an appearance since Mourinho was appointed as manager in the summer.
But he came off the bench for a four-minute cameo in the closing stages of his side's 4-1 win over West Ham on Wednesday night as Manchester United booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
And Mourinho has confirmed he may keep the 32-year-old on board for the remainder of the campaign.
When asked if Schweinsteiger could stay beyond January, his manager said: "Of course he can. When you have a contract with the club you are the powerful one.
"He can help us. He is another one in the squad and he's working to have more chances."
Mourinho did admit that Schweinsteiger almost left the club in the summer and that his determination to carve out a career for himself at Old Trafford has been a factor in the manager's desire to retain his services.
"In the summer we tried to make something happen for Bastian to get a different future," said Mourinho of a player who was signed by Louis van Gaal in July 2015.
"But he was the powerful one and decided to stay, even in difficult circumstances. He worked for that and deserved the happiness of the last match... I like people who are determined."
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