Bastian Schweinsteiger fitness concerns: Manchester United signing 'has not been fit for three years' - Pep Guardiola

Bayern Munich manager raises concerns about Germany international

Louis van Gaal with Bastian Schweinsteiger (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United signing Bastian Schweinsteiger has not been fully fit for the last three seasons, claims Pep Guardiola.

The admission by the Bayern Munich manager will raise concerns at Old Trafford considering the £14.4m outlay on the midfielder and the pivotal role Louis van Gaal has planned for the World Cup winner during the upcoming season.

Guardiola said the 31-year-old can only be a success in the Premier League if he can shake off his injury problems.

"When he does not have injury problems, I am completely convinced he will do very well at Manchester United," Guardiola said. "He is a top, top player.

"Unfortunately, during the last three years he was never in good condition. He is going to play really good there (at United). I really hope that is going to happen."

Schweinsteiger has not made more than 30 league appearances in a season since 2010/11. Last year he played 20 Bundesliga games for Bayern Munich, the club he spent 17 years with before deciding to make the switch to Manchester United.

Plagued by ankle and knee injuries throughout his career, Schweinsteiger had a year to run on his contract at the Allianz Arena.