Former Arsenal man: Man United signing Bastian Schweinsteiger spent force

John Hartson believes Bastian Schweinsteiger is a spent force after Manchester United exited the Champions League at Wolfsburg on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils gave their last-16 prospects a boost after Anthony Martial broke the deadlock in the 10th minute after he scored his first goal since October.

He can only play in holding midfield. Well that is OK but my dad could play there, passing five yards to the left and five to the right

John Hartson

However, Wolfsburg scored either side of half-time to ease into a lead and leave United on the brink of an exit from Europe’s premier competition.

Schweinsteiger was replaced in the 70th minute before Josuha Guilavogui’s own goal gave the Red Devils late hope, but Naldo scored his second of the night to condemn Louis van Gaal’s to the Europa League.

Former Arsenal striker Hartson was quick to criticise Schweinsteiger’s impact at Old Trafford following his £6.7m summer move from Bayern Munich.

“I think that Bastian Schweinsteiger is a quarter of the player that we are used to seeing,” Hartson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“That man used to boss games, but now he does not have the legs.

“He can only play in holding midfield. Well that is OK but my dad could play there, passing five yards to the left and five to the right. Schweinsteiger was bossed tonight and was hauled off.

“United cannot afford to be a club that just gives players a pay day. They need legs, they need more power in midfield.”

Schweinsteiger has started all six of United’s Champions League games this season.

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The World Cup winner scored his first Red Devils goal in a 1-1 draw with Leicester City last month.