Bild: You played for Bayern for 17 years. You’ve played for Manchester Utd now for 5 weeks. How much does a Manchester United heart already beat in your chest?
Schweini: After the wonderful time in Munich, FCB will always be in my heart because I was allowed to write history with them. But for me, it’s now a new chapter in Manchester. I can already say after only a few weeks that I feel very connected with the club and its fans.
Bild: Why?
Schweini: For me, it was a big surprise how warmly and enthusiastically the fans welcomed me at the first league game against Tottenham at Old Trafford. The people were already on their feet screaming and applauding as I was warming up, before my substitution. I had goosebumps. This makes you hungry for more. After the game I thought to myself “I want to play another game in this stadium immediately. It is very fun to be here”.
Bild: Even though the English press joked after your first game that you had eaten too much sauerkraut?
Schweini: Although I don’t really like to eat sauerkraut, I did introduce myself here as “Kraut”, because that’s what people here call Germans for fun. The English have a special sense of humour. I also immediately experienced this in the changing rooms when I was carrying two plates of food. My colleagues asked me, “Basti, what time is it?” hoping that that I would raise my arm to look at my watch.
Bild: You are the first German player for Manchester United. Is this an honour or a burden?
Basti: Absolutely an honour. Before my transfer, I actually didn’t know that no German had played here before.
Bild: The expectations are immense. You are arriving as a World Champion, so many Manchester United fans are hoping that through you they can finally win a title again.
Basti: I can’t say that “I have signed for 3 years, so now we will be champions three times”. The premier league is very difficult. Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have lots of quality. But those who know me know that I always want to win titles. And I think that Manchester United is a team which can win titles.
Bild: International titles too?
Basti: I am convinced that under Louis van Gaal, it is possible to start a new era with Manchester United, just like the days with FC Bayern. That is the attraction for me. I can promise that I will give everything and use my experience to try and get Manchester United to the level of Real Madrid, Barcelona and FC Bayern internationally.
Bild: You mention that you also trained under Louis van Gaal in Munich. How did he greet you?
Basti: He said “hello”, nothing more actually. He has his own very, very direct style. He is a general with a very, very big heart.
Bild: How much of an influence did he have in your decision to move to Enland?
Basti: When one knows what makes a manager tick and how he likes football to be played, it makes the decision easier, but I came here primarily because of Manchester United. Naturally the fact that the manager is such a good fit is perfect.
Bild: And [it must be nice that] you can speak with him in German.
Basti: This may sound funny, but we mainly talk to each other in English, even privately. Instead of ‘Trainer’, I now call him ‘manager’, which is how the coach is referred to in England. We only change to German on a few exceptions.
Bild: Has he asked you (in English or German!) if you can convince Thomas Mueller to join you at Manchester United?
Basti: No, the manager hasn’t spoken to me at all about Thomas.
Bild: He also made sure that you can have the number 31 shirt, which Fellaini wore last season.
Basti: I was surprised that the manager decided to do that. I did not expect it. I wore number 31 for my first professional game for FC Bayern and now also for my first competitive match here. That gives me a good feeling.
Bild: Are you already dreaming of a Champion’s League victory over FC Bayern?
Basti: I play for Manchester United now. It could happen in the 3 years I’m here that we meet in the Champion’s League. That would be a very good battle.
Bild: Maybe already in the coming group stages…
Basti: If it happens, it happens. But we must qualify first.
Bild: That also applies for Euro 2016. To what extent has this thought affected your decision to move?
Basti: Euro 2016 is very important for me. To have a big new challenge with Manchester United in front of me now could have a good effect on me. I am convinced that through my experience with Manchester United, I can become stronger and more valuable for Germany.
Does anyone even know who the chairman or the president of Manchester United is? But who cares? 
