Lukas Podolski has told Bild he believes Jose Mourinho's treatment of former Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is "ignoble."
Schweinsteiger has been frozen out at Old Trafford since the arrival of Mourinho in the summer, with the midfielder yet to make an appearance this season.
And his ex-international colleague Podolski, currently at Galatasaray, said: "Looking at Bastian's career, I can only say that what is happening there is ignoble.
"I don't know what Mourinho discussed with him. But it's clear -- it's not correct to demote Bastian to the reserves. A coach has to keep the door open for every player, even more so for a player like Schweini."
Podolski -- who, like Schweinsteiger, retired from international football earlier this year -- said he could imagine playing alongside him in MLS football one day.
The 31-year-old has not ruled out joining an MLS club after his contract in Turkey expires and said: "I think America's great.
"Stays abroad are good for personality development, and they'd also be good for our kids. Sure, it would be possible to play in the States with Schweini."