In July 2015, then-Manchester United executive vice-president Ed Woodward expressed high expectations for the signing of Bastian Schweinsteiger, famously suggesting the midfielder would strike fear into opponents. However, the reality of the German international's tenure at Old Trafford fell significantly short of those initial projections. Over the course of two years, Schweinsteiger made only 35 appearances and scored two goals before departing for the Chicago Fire.

The Guardian notes that the signing has become a symbol of ineffective recruitment during that era. The narrative surrounding his exit is particularly highlighted by the fact that he was eventually relegated to training with the club's youth players under manager José Mourinho. While the club initially framed the acquisition as a marquee move to strengthen the midfield, the outcome is now cited as a failure to deliver on the pitch. The situation serves as a retrospective critique of the club's decision-making process, contrasting the internal optimism of the front office with the eventual sporting outcome. The article suggests that such high-profile failures in the transfer market have left those responsible for the team's performance with little room for excuses regarding squad depth and quality.