Michael Ballack says Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger needs to move to Manchester United to fulfil his potential.

Midfielder Ballack, 34, left Chelsea in the summer to move to Bayer Leverkusen after helping the Blues see off United's challenge to claim a league and FA Cup Double.

But the Germany ace reckons his international team-mate would be the perfect recruit to help boost the Red Devils' ageing squad.

Schweinsteiger, 26, was one of the stars of the World Cup and helped lead the Germans to the semi-finals of the South Africa showpiece.

Yet with his contract at the Allianz Arena set to expire in 18 months time, a move to Old Trafford could appeal to the talented playmaker.

Ballack said: "Bastian has taken on the responsibility placed in him and is now in a phase when he is looking to reach the zenith of his career.

"He took a huge step forwards at the World Cup. He has presence, authority, personality, performance and goals. He has everything.

"Only he will be able to feel what is right for him for the future.

"Every footballer is attracted to certain things and Bastian will feel these also but there are not that many big clubs around and Bayern is one of them.

"But on the other hand, Real Madrid or Man United are both attractive and he would fit in well at both clubs."