Louis van Gaal has warned Bastian Schweinsteiger and his other summer signings they will have to fight hard to nail down a first-team place at Manchester United.
Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian were unveiled as United players on Wednesday night at a press conference in Seattle.
Sitting alongside the trio was Van Gaal, who wasted no time in reminding his new players that much hard work lies ahead for them in the coming months.
Van Gaal knows Schweinsteiger well, having managed the player for two years at Bayern Munich, but that seems to count for little in the Dutchman’s eyes.
The Germany captain may be one of the most decorated players in the game but he still has to fight for his future and the same goes for Van Gaal too, it seems.
“In top sport, no position is secure – even my position,” the United boss said.
“The players have to fight – Morgan has to fight with Schweinsteiger, (Michael) Carrick and (Daley) Blind to play in midfield.
“Matteo has to fight with (Antonio) Valencia.”
High-profile addition
Schweinsteiger, an eight-time Bundesliga winner, may be the most high-profile addition but Van Gaal expects £24 million man Schneiderlin to adapt to his surroundings quicker than any of his new team-mates.
“Morgan can cope with the Premier League,” said Van Gaal.
“The question with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Dar-mian is whether they can prove it. But I have full confidence they can.”
Van Gaal complained last year that United’s midfield lacked steel and dynamism.
In Schweinsteiger he appears to have ticked both of those boxes.
The 30-year-old cut a far more physically imposing figure than any of the three men sitting beside him. Another box he ticks is that of born winner.
“I want to win titles,” said the German, who spent 17 trophy-laden years at Bayern Munich prior to joining United.
“I am used to winning titles and so are United and that is my goal.”
This season, United could be facing the likes of Bayern, Real Madrid and Barcelona – providing they come through a Champions League play-off in August.
That United have completed the transfers of Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Darmian and Memphis Depay before the start of their tour has gone down well with Van Gaal.
“I only buy players who can make a contribution – we are not buying just for buying,” he said.
“The difficulty is to get these players. It is not so easy and I am very proud that (vice-chairman) Ed Woodward has done that.
“When United come in, (teams) always ask for more money.
“I am very happy they are here before the tour, so we can prepare.
“Memphis is also here. It is much better than last year.”