Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has hinted that Bastian Schweinsteiger could be on the verge of retirement but encouraged the midfielder to bleed Manchester United dry until the final day of his contract.
Hoeness was re-elected to the role of Bayern president on Friday and accused United earlier in the month of treating former Bayern midfielder Schweinsteiger, 32, "like a leper."
Ex-Bayern boss Louis van Gaal hailed Schweinsteiger as "the ultimate professional" when he signed the record eight-time Bundesliga winner for the United in 2015. But Schweinsteiger, banished to train with the youth team earlier in the season, is yet to make an appearance under new boss Jose Mourinho.
"If I were him, I would make the people in Manchester pay until his last day," Hoeness said at a visit to a Bayern fan club. "That's what this club [United] deserves for what they've done to him. They should be punished."
Handed a reprieve by Mourinho, Schweinsteiger returned to first-team training at the end of October and was named in United's squad for the first time against West Ham on Sunday, but remained on the bench for the 1-1 draw.
The former Germany captain has been linked with a move to Major League Soccer, with sources telling ESPN FC that he has held talks with Chicago Fire.
However, Hoeness does not believe the United States is a viable option, hinting that the 2014 World Cup winner could be close to retiring from the game.
"From what I have heard, Basti's on his way out of football," he said. "I know him well and I doubt he's still got the fire left in him for one final major challenge.
"After such a brilliant career, a player like him shouldn't see out his career in a place like America. For me, America simply isn't an alternative for a player of his calibre.
"As far as I know, he's committed to a massive farewell game at FC Bayern. I would do that but then I would retire."
Schweinsteiger married Serbian tennis star Ana Ivanovic earlier this year and Hoeness encouraged him to spend more of his free time with his wife.
"He's lucky to have such a beautiful wife and should set different priorities in life," he said. "I wish he would concentrate more on starting a family."