Guardiola raises doubts over Schweinsteiger’s fitness

Guardiola came into the firing line for Saturday’s German Cup defeat against Wolfsburg.

On speculation about Benzema, former Liverpool boss Benitez added: “My answer is that I think Benzema is going to stay with us”.

The duo’s relationship is thought to be strained after Gotze’s agent slammed the Spaniard for “destroying” his client by way of refusing to play him regularly.

The Telegraph report that Guardiola said: “Unfortunately, during the last three years [Schweinsteiger] was never in good condition”. I do my things and you criticise me for them. “They have to convince me, not journalists”. He has the ability to play in any team in the world and in any league in the world.

Benitez also insisted United target Gareth Bale is very much part of his plans, saying: “Obviously, Gareth is a key player for us. Everything depends on the outcome”.

Guardiola said: “He is one of the best players you can imagine”.

Louis Van Gaal, the United manager formerly of Barca, has asked the people at Old Trafford responsible for transfers to deliver Pedro as soon as possible, Sport add.

‘There is absolutely no doubt about his quality. He is champion of everything. Although the midfielder featured in the pre-season tour with Manchester United, he missed the friendly fixture against Barcelona after picking up a minor injury, forcing Van Gaal to rest the player. “I thought the first match (Schweinsteiger) played very well and now he played bad but that is also a process”.

Barcelona ace Pedro Rodriguez will join Manchester United for £30m as both clubs are reported to have started negotiation. “It’s a shame that in the last two years he’s had several injuries and he was not 100 per cent”.