Bastian Schweinsteiger thanks Marouane Fellaini for shirt number

Bastian Schweinsteiger has thanked his Manchester United teammate Marouane Fellaini for his willingness to give up the number 31 shirt.

Since Fellaini arrived at Old Trafford from Everton in 2013, the Belgium midfielder has worn that number.

However, following the addition of Schweinsteiger this summer, Fellaini has passed on the shirt to the Germany international, who has worn that number throughout his professional career.

"I was happy that the coach gave me the no.31 and was really surprised as well. So, thank you to Felli too," he told the club's official website.

"For me, I played there since I played my first game for Bayern and 31 means a lot to me. I didn't expect the coach would give me the number but he decided, and the club decided, and it gives me a little bit more feeling like I'm at home, yes."

Meanwhile, Fellaini has switched to the number 27 shirt.