Bastian Schweinsteiger still had more to offer Man United - Joachim Low

Germany coach Joachim Low says Bastian Schweinsteiger has made a "good decision" in joining Chicago Fire but believes the midfielder still had plenty to offer Manchester United.

United confirmed on Tuesday that Schweinsteiger, 32, has agreed a move to join Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

The former Germany international was restricted to just 18 United appearances since joining from Bayern Munich in 2015 having falling out of favour with Jose Mourinho, with most of his game time coming under Louis van Gaal last season.

"I chatted to him a few weeks ago and he told me that he tried everything and gave it his all," Low told a news conference. "And, yes, there was a glimmer of hope for him at times, he played in a few games. But it appears that he had the feeling he was no longer part of Manchester United's plans."

Low added that it was a "real shame" for Schweinsteiger that his time at United had to end like this.

"His performances in training were very, very good. I've also been told from others," Low said. "The team would have wished for him to help them on the pitch. And I believe that he could have still done that.

"I've seen a few United games, and a Bastian Schweinsteiger could have helped in a central role in midfield, organising the match. But the coach made a different decision. He has given it his all, but it wasn't enough. Thus the transfer is a certainly a good decision."

Schweinsteiger, who has only played for Bayern and United during his career, will be the second German player at Chicago Fire after his former international teammate Arne Friedrich.

Low believes that the move to the United States will do him good.

"Bastian feels at home in big cities, where he can also enjoy a bit of anonymity, and see other things," Low said.

Bayern president Uli Hoeness, meanwhile, said it was only a matter of time before Schweinsteiger moved on from United given his lack of playing time.

"I'm not surprised" Hoeness told Sky Deutschland. "Of course, being the fifth wheel on the car wasn't a long-term solution for him in Manchester. A man like Bastian Schweinsteiger could not be happy with the situation.

"He's become a global player now, very much at home all around the world. He'll have no problem with the language and it'll be a fitting end to his career."

Schweinsteiger's former Bayern teammate Franck Ribery also backed the midfielder's decision to head to MLS.

"It was a difficult situation for him, many people couldn't understand why he wasn't playing in Manchester," Ribery said.

"It's a good move for him and for his state of mind. It will bring the fun back to football for him and some self-confidence. I'm pleased for Schweini and his family and now he can have some fun."

ESPN FC's Bayern Munich correspondent MarkLovell contributed tothis report.