Bastian Schweinsteiger didn't sugarcoat his response to former Manchester United teammate David de Gea when the goalkeeper asked if he was better than Manuel Neuer.
After a trophy-laden 17-year spell at boyhood club Bayern Munich, the experienced Schweinsteiger made a reported £6.5 million switch to Old Trafford in the summer of 2015.
The former Germany midfielder would quickly endear himself to the Manchester United faithful in a press conference by saying they are "bigger" than his former side Bayern.
And out on the field, Schweinsteiger was just as bold when it came to sharing his opinions.
According to the man himself, teammate David de Gea asked the German if he was "better" than Bayern number one Manuel Neuer, who was named the World's Best Goalkeeper for the second year in a row in early 2015.In fact, De Gea would often ask about Neuer whenever he impressed between the sticks but he'd receive the same response.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live in 2021, Schweinsteiger said: "When I first came to Manchester United De Gea said, 'Tell me, am I better than Neuer?' I was like, 'No, you're not. It is a different level.
"He was angry, but I explained why. Whenever he had a great game he would ask me again, I would still say he wasn't on that level."Schweinsteiger would go on to make 35 appearances for United before departing in March 2017, and would later join MLS side Chicago Fire.
Last year, then-Manchester United interim Ralf Rangnick compared both De Gea and Neuer after working with both players.
“Well, I think they are both definitely on the list of the top five goalkeepers in the world," Rangnick told United's club media. "Maybe even in the top three.
"They are both in a fantastic shape, physically and, as well as on the line, when it’s about controlling the box, David De Gea is probably one of the best, if not the best, in the world and we are very happy to have him."
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