Morgan Schneiderlin claims he is not the finished article yet but insists his big-money move to Manchester United will improve him as a player.
Schneiderlin joined the Red Devils earlier this month from Southampton for around £24million. The Frenchman scored on his United debut against Club America and expects that playing and training alongside the likes of Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger at Old Trafford will only make him a better player.
”Of course playing alongside Carrick and Schweinsteiger will help my game,” enthused the French international.
”I’m not the finished product. I’m just 25, which is the middle for a professional footballer. Training week-in and week-out with these players helps you learn and improve your game. I’m ready for it.
”The competition here is very intense but there are a lot of games in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups and it’s good competition for us. We all work hard together but, of course, it’s the manager’s choice who will play – that’s normal.
”I want to play and the other players want to play, but the manager chooses the team and you always have to push to get into it. At a club like United you would expect nothing else.”
Schneiderlin was soon whisked off on tour shortly after signing for the club, but the midfielder claims that the pre-season travels have actually been a big help as he strives to quickly settle at his new club.
”It’s a good thing for me to come here and spend every hour of the day with the players. It’s nice to get to know them better. I feel part of the squad already and there’s no better way to adapt to a new club than spending every day with my team-mates.
”The tour has been good for me and everyone has made me feel welcome from the first minute. I speak good English, too, so that has made things easier.”
Life on tour with United is sure to be a long way from the more tranquil experiences of touring with Southampton. Although Schneiderlin insists nothing has surprised him so far whilst touring with United, as he expected the fanatic reception the players have received.
”I can’t say it’s surprised me as I was always very aware of how big the club is and what it asks of the players. The people around the world love Manchester United and the atmosphere around the club is crazy. I knew it would be like that before I came.
”At Southampton we went to quiet places like Austria. Some people recognised us but it’s the complete opposite here.”
Schneiderlin will be hoping to make his competitive debut for United when the club kick-off their 2015-16 Premier League campaign against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday August 8.remiership.