Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger predicts 'special season' working with Jose Mourinho

Bastian Schweinsteiger is predicting a 'special season' at Old Trafford as Jose Mourinho edges closer to becoming Manchester United manager.

Louis van Gaal's two-year spell came to an end on Monday, with last weekend's FA Cup success not enough to mask poor Premier League performances in terms of style and substance.

United just missed out on a top-four place to neighbours Manchester City, meaning the Europa League rather than Champions League now awaits.

Mourinho will have the task of reviving the Red Devils' ailing fortunes, although issues that have to be dealt with include conflicting commercial arrangements with regard to sponsorship.

Former Chelsea manager Mourinho described United as a "monster club" last October and midfielder Schweinsteiger is excited by his impending arrival at Old Trafford.

"We don't know who will be our new manager yet, but it looks like it's going to be an interesting derby in Manchester next season," the Germany captain said, acknowledging Pep Guardiola's arrival at the Etihad Stadium.

"The enthusiasm for football in Manchester is great and, if Mourinho does take over at United, I think all of the players want to train under him so it's going to be quite a special season."

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Schweinsteiger is understandably excited by the future under the self-styled 'Special One', but also keen to express his gratitude to Van Gaal.

Brought to Old Trafford by him last summer after working together at Bayern Munich, the 31-year-old thanked the Dutchman for the impact he has had on his career.

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"I think Louis van Gaal and I have a very special relationship. He moved me into the centre of the midfield at Bayern and I've got a lot to thank him for," said Schweinsteiger, speaking at a news conference in Germany's pre-Euro 2016 training camp in Ascona, Switzerland.

"Also, my move to United was because of him. I will never say any bad words about somebody for whom I have so much to thank.

"Quite the opposite. Even if we were not always of the same opinion, we had a good relationship. I admire him as a coach and, despite a difficult season with really much injury misfortune, he still ended it with a good title.

"It's been two years since United last won a title and I think that was a good ending also for him."